Andy Williams said it first: it's the most wonderful time of the year. I don't know what it is about this time of year, maybe it's the breaks from class or Christmas decorations, but there's something about the holiday season that makes me feel all giddy and childish again. Now that the countdown to Christmas (Hanukkah, Kwanza, etc.) is on, here are 16 things that make the holiday season special.
1. Time with family
I even enjoy seeing crazy Grandma Irene (just kidding graham cracker). This time of year calls for reunions and quality time with family. They won't judge you by the amount of food you eat, in fact, they will encourage you to eat more.
2. Eggnog and other seasonal drinks
Yes, we have to say goodbye to our pumpkin spice lattes for a little while, but it's all in exchange for drinks like eggnog, peppermint mochas, and hot chocolate.
3. Giving gifts
There's something about shopping for others that makes me happier than receiving gifts could ever make me. The look on their face when they open it is the most satisfying feeling, in my opinion, ever.
4. Receiving gifts
Receiving gifts, however, is a pretty nice part about the holidays as well. There's nothing like that moment before you get the OK to start opening.
5. Snow
That first, fluffy snowfall makes it finally feel like Christmas. But by the time it's muddy slush in January I'm over it.
6. Decorating for Christmas
Getting the family together to pick out the tree and decorate it with ornaments that've been collected over the years is one of my favorite parts about Christmas. We always make it a priority to drive around and see everyone's lights and displays as well. When it begins to look like Christmas, it begins to feel like Christmas.
7. Fuzzy socks
It's finally time to dust off the holiday themed fuzzy socks and wear them religiously around the house and even out and about. It's the little things in life.
8. Uggs
Sorry not sorry.
9. Michael Bublé, Frank Sinatra, Mariah Carey and even Justin Bieber
I'll be honest, sometimes I find myself jamming to All I Want For Christmas is You in the middle of July.
10. Curling up by the fireplace
I love turning on the fireplace and snuggling in my favorite blanket with my favorite book (typically a Harry Potter one) and just relaxing. Feel free to add a seasonal drink (see number two).
11. Christmas Eve service
This is something that makes the holiday season special to me. My family and I dress up and make it to the candle light Christmas Eve service. A children's play of the interpretation of Christ's birth and Christmas Carols are always included. This brings me back to reality and reminds me what this time of year is truly all about.
12. Holiday movies
Christmas Vacation, Charlie Brown's Christmas, Polar Express, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas are all classics and typically on repeat at our household. Is it really Christmas time if you haven't watched Elf? Nope.
13. Holiday gift sets at Sephora
Obviously this makes the holiday season special for me. You get cute little value packs of high end make up products for a somewhat (not really) reasonable price!!! And sometimes the boxes have adorable Christmas decorations on the packaging and that justifies why I should purchase it. I don't care how broke I am, I will own all of Sephora's favorite mascaras before the new year.
14. Bath and Body Works candles
Fresh Balsam, Flannel, Fireside, Sugar cookie, Sweater Weather, etc.
15. Sledding
I don't care how old you are, sledding will always be fun and appropriate.
16. FOOD
I had to save the best for last. Whether it's the soups on Christmas Eve or the ham Christmas Day, the Spritz cookies or the Gingerbread anything, food is an important component that makes the holidays so special.
