It's the most wonderful time of the year.
There are so many great things about the holiday season. It's pretty much impossible to choose one favorite thing, so I have compiled this list of all of my favorite things about Christmas, minus getting presents. I think Christmas is more about the experiences and the love and excitement surrounding the holiday than it is about the gifts. Here are some examples of the things I enjoy most about Christmas.
1. Decorating
Lights, trees, ornaments. It's always fun putting up the tree while sipping on egg nog and jamming out to some Christmas music. Hanging stockings, putting ornaments on the tree, hanging lights up outside. The little Christmas village displays are my favorite. I love every aspect of decorating cause it really kicks off the holidays!
2. Spending time with family
I look forward to the holidays most because I get to see my family. Between school, work, and my social life (yes, it does exist... kinda) I rarely get to spend time with my family unless I'm lucky enough to have a day to spend at home. On top of that, my extended family lives primarily in Arkansas and the Christmas holiday gives me an "excuse" to visit them. I love getting to sit around and tell stories and make jokes. My favorite thing about visiting with family is getting to cook with my grandmother and mom.
3. Peppermint-flavored everything
Peppermint bark, candy canes, peppermint mochas from Starbucks. Need I say more?
4. Hot Beverages
Hot chocolate, hot tea, apple cider. These are a few of my favorite things. Sweet, warm, and full of holiday cheer.
5. Snow
If you're lucky enough to live in an area where you get snow in mid-November or December, you know how it is. The sound of snow falling in the middle of the night is my favorite sound in the world. It's so peaceful and calming. Another great thing about snow is the beauty of fresh, untouched snow on the ground. And then the satisfying crunch as you walk through it. Then, there's the fun of a snowball fight with friends or a significant other. The way your fingertips go numb and then heading inside for a nice warm drink or a bowl of soup.
6. Sitting by a fire
Roasting marshmallows at a bonfire, sitting by the fireplace in some fuzzy socks. Just being warm in general is nice, especially during the cold holiday season. It's especially nice when you're snuggled up to your significant other or one of your pets.
7. Ice Skating
Ice skating is great. Where I'm from, the skating rink (regular skating, not ice skating) was the hot spot to hang out in middle school, so going ice skating is kinda like a throwback to the awkward days of wondering if your crush would hold your hand while skating. On top of that, it's really cool watching the Zamboni resurfacing the ice. Ice skating is a lot of fun when you go with the right people.
8. Light Displays
From the Memphis Zoo lights to the Shelby Farms Starry Nights, Memphis has a lot to offer for light shows. Plus, my hometown has many beautiful houses lit up for the holidays. There's nothing better than driving around in a warm car with Christmas music playing and seeing beautiful lights.
9. Christmas Music and Movies
My favorite thing about being a delivery driver and it being Christmas is listening to Christmas music on the radio while taking deliveries. My car smells like pizza and my heart is happy. Christmas music puts a smile on my face and getting to belt out my favorite Christmas songs in public and it not be frowned upon is cool. Also, watching movies on Christmas Eve with my mom is always fun, especially watching The Grinch. It's my mom's favorite movie and getting to spend the night before Christmas watching it with her is one of my favorite memories of the holidays.
10. Ugly Sweaters
I honestly think "ugly" sweaters are super cute. I especially like the ones that have bells or pom poms on them. If I could, I would have 25 ugly sweaters. One for each day of December leading up to Christmas.
