I know what you all are thinking, it is not even Thanksgiving yet! However, I am a firm believer that the Christmas season starts on November 1. There is so much to celebrate that the month of December is simply not enough time! I am completely obsessed with Christmas, and always have been. It is by far my favorite time of year. Here is why I think it should be yours too.
1. Snow! Snow! Snow!
Now where I grew up, we almost always had a white Christmas. I know that many people do not get to experience that. So if you have not -- you should definitely spend at least one Christmas in a cabin with a log fire in a place that is guaranteed to have snow. I promise it will be the best Christmas of your life!
2. Bing....need I say more?
Everyone knows that Christmas and Bing Crosby are inseparable. Basically, if Bing Crosby is not heard saying that he is dreaming of a white Christmas, then no matter what the date is....it just is not Christmas.
3. Decorations!
Christmas is really the only holiday that gets a complete makeover. Sure, at Easter we put out some bunnies and eggs, and at Halloween, it may look like a giant Spider made a whole neighborhood its home, but Christmas is the only time that you completely redecorate your house. (If you do not do this, then you are doing Christmas wrong.)
4. Operation Christmas Child
If you grew up in a Christian home, then you have probably participated at least once. There really is not anything like the whole family going shopping together to pack shoe boxes to send overseas. Imagining seeing a child's face as they receive their first present is enough to melt even the "scroogiest" of Scrooges.
5. The Church Play
We have all been in the local church Christmas play or at least attended. This is the time when all little children become incredibly cute, no matter what they do. Now, angel wings may get ripped off, shepherds became actually so afraid of the angel speaking that they forget their line, and wise men show up with no gifts....but they sure are cute when it happens!
6. Presents!
Let's all be honest and admit that deep down inside we all get a little bit more materialistic at Christmas. No matter how old you get -- there is nothing like waking up early (5 a.m. to be exact) and opening multiple surprises that you get to keep!
7. Black Friday Shopping
Yes, yes, I am one of those crazy people out at midnight, on Thanksgiving, shopping. I know everyone has heard of those Black Friday horror stories, but I have never experienced anything like that. Going shopping the day after Thanksgiving is mine and my dad's tradition. Everyone is always friendly, it is bitterly cold, and a lot of hot chocolate is drunk. We have been going every year since I was a very little girl and it is still one of my all time favorites.
8. Christmas Dinner! Yum!
Now my family and I are Southern so that means that Christmas dinner is insanely delicious and massive. Every year, I wish that I could gain three more stomachs, just for the day.
9. Christmas Movies!
At my house, we watch a different movie every night as a family. There is something quite magical about cuddling up with a piping hot mug of hot chocolate, a Christmas throw and the dog, with only the Christmas tree and the movie to light the room.
10. Baking
My mother bakes morning, noon, and night during Christmas. The house always smells wonderful and there is no doubt that plenty of weight is gained. (I just say that all the weight is from all the extra love going around.)
11. Family and Friends
Of course, family and friends are very important to a wonderful holiday season. I know that I am very blessed to have the family and friends that I do. They are always there and have my back and make Christmas 100 percent better every year!
12. The Coming of Salvation!
And the most important and wonderful thing about Christmas — celebrating eternal life! Jesus Christ sacrificing everything by coming to a sinful, dirty world just because He wanted us to live with Him, is what it is all about. May we forever be grateful and rejoice in Him that He loved us more than we can even begin to fathom!
So there you have it! Christmas really is the most wonderful time of year! So get out and enjoy it, celebrate with those you love, and share some of that love with the less fortunate. But while you are enjoying shopping, music, movies, and goodies — do not forget to take some time and reflect on the goodness of the Savior.
