It's almost the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season is nearly upon us once again. I am giddy just thinking about it.
Christmas. My spirit animal.
I never thrive more than I do at Christmas. The time of joy and good will toward men! All is merry and bright. People just seem to be in higher spirits around the holidays. Maybe it's due to the overdose of themed merchandise? Maybe it's just the only socially acceptable time of year to be as excited as the kids? Either way, I’m not sure how it got here this fast, but I do know I couldn’t be happier about it. I eagerly anticipate the arrival of December all year long. Throughout my entire life, it has always been my most favorite time of year. Here are a few reasons why.
1. Decking the halls
Really, what is better than sitting around with your family and making fun of your childhood collection of ornaments and crafts? This usually results in several family members fighting over who gets to hang up that one specific ornament (I know your family has one). Dad is struggling to find the extension cords for hanging the wreaths outside; mom is hot-gluing ceramic Santa's arm back on for the thirteenth year in a row. At least it's consistent.
2. Sounds of the season
Nothing beats a good Christmas tune to get you in the holiday spirit. If you Scrooges out there need some suggestions, let me offer a few that always put me in the holiday spirit. Destiny's Child does a fantastic rendition of "Carol of the Bells," while the Cheetah Girls slay "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" off their iconic "Cheetah-licious Christmas" album. Could you ask for more holiday-spirited girl power?
3. Fa-la-la-la-la-Films
Whether you're the cheesy Hallmark movie advocate or the classic "A Christmas Story" or "Home Alone" fan, your inner cinematic obsession thrives at Christmas time. Personally, I favor the good ole claymation films from the 70's (shoutout to "The Year Without a Santa Claus"). However, if you're not into the classics, " The Holiday" also suffices for the modern-day romantic comedy enthusiast (Hello, 2006 Jude Law). Honorable mention: "Holiday in Handcuffs" is another guaranteed favorite, as it features a completely unrealistic plot, a then-popular Mario Lopez and Melissa Joan Hart with a ridiculous perm. In other words, it is perfect.
4. Ribbons, Tags, Boxes, Bags
Nothing compares to carefully picking out the perfect gift for someone you love. Just seeing their smiling face when they open their t-shirt with Abraham Lincoln's face on it (tagline: I got you, Abe) is enough to soar your spirits to next December. Planning out the wittiest, most thoughtful present possible helps express how well we know and love the recipient. It's not so bad being given a *spot-on* corgi mug, either.
5. The Tradition
Whether the abundance of peppermint, traveling to see loved relatives, or your neighbor's rotating blue tree (that will probably be up until June), the Christmas season is special because of tradition. Your holiday is defined by things that brighten your spirits and mark each December a success. Driving around and looking at Christmas lights, drinking hot chocolate by the fire after the Candlelight service on Christmas Eve, or sitting on Santa's lap at the mall (though it's slightly more awkward now) all make Christmas, well, Christmas.
Though some of these reasons seem pointless, they always come together to form the joy-filled ending to my year. As faithful as a light bulb burning out on the tree, these traditions never fail to make me smile. They set a festive backdrop for the year's upcoming close as I contemplate the real reason for the season. For that, I'll never stop looking forward to my favorite holiday.
Merry Christmas!
