Every December of my life, I recall being excited about Christmas. Halloween and Easter were great too, but there was always just something about Christmas that made it my absolute favorite. I would cuddle up to a classic Christmas movie, we went to Christmas mass, we would decorate the tree, everything in the spirit of Christmas. We would set out cookies and carrots for Santa and his reindeer right before going to bed on Christmas Eve (one year our golden retriever had himself a nice snack as he completely finished off the plate!). Do you remember lying in bed at night thinking about Santa putting presents under the tree? Wondering what the reindeer were doing outside and what the elves were up to back at the North Pole?
We have all unfortunately found out at some point in our childhood that Santa Claus doesn’t exist. But being a big believer in magic, I have to disagree. I will continue pretending the big guy in red is real and I will love every minute of it. There’s nothing wrong with appreciating the goodness that comes with the holiday season. And really, isn’t that what Santa represents? He embodies all the people who choose to put their hearts into giving. He symbolizes joy. He is childhood, faith, and hope.
From what I can remember, I’ve always been pretty serious about gift giving. I like shopping and search for the perfect present for everyone on my list. But I also love making gifts! I’m pretty crafty and Pinterest is like my second home, and I wish I had time to make all the projects that I want to! I try to make a few nice homemade gifts each year because I know there isn’t anything better than receiving those. Even baking and making treats brings out the holiday cheer in me. Peppermint bark and sugar cookies? There is not a time in the year when they taste better than at Christmas. To know that someone made something especially for you is the sweetest gesture. And of course there is giving back to those less fortunate than you. I am currently purging my room right now for clothes I no longer wear that others could really need. It warms my heart to see and hear of people volunteering during the holidays. If you’re reading, I urge you to do just the same. Be the good in the world. Donate, volunteer, give.
There is nothing quite like the warmth of the Christmas lights’ glow on a snowy night. It makes me stop and smile and adds a twinkle to my eye, as corny as that sounds. It makes me happy, everything around the holidays do. The music is truly the best. Yes, I am one of those people who listens to Christmas music the minute that Halloween is over. The decorations are everywhere and bring a grin to my face every time I see a cute snowman! Everything around me seems to encompass Christmas and I fully accept it all! I may even admit to changing into a Christmas sweater just to wrap presents… I am not afraid to let everyone know just how happy this holiday makes me! It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!
Christmas is about family. I love getting to celebrate on both Christmas Eve and Christmas day with the two sides of my family. Getting together is always so much fun and full of laughter. Each year is different. We’ve had an ugly sweater contest (I WON), played games, done Secret Santa and White Elephant gifts, and simply just relaxed and enjoyed our time together. Whatever it was, every Christmas is memorable. Maybe it was the year that the tree fell more than a couple times, or the year that we ended up eating tacos because the roast burnt! However the holiday plays out, it’s a time to be surrounded by those we love.
The holiday season shouldn’t be any less special just because we know the big secret of Santa. It shouldn’t be different just because we’re older. I know it may not feel the same as when you were 5 and everything was filled with wonder, but try to choose to believe again. I believe in Christmas magic and I believe in Santa Claus.
