I am definitely a Christmas person.
In fact, I love Christmas so much that when I was a little girl, I used to cry before going to bed on Christmas Day, because I didn’t want to accept that my favorite day of the year was over! I love spending time with my family, decking the halls, wrapping presents…even the smallest traditions bring me great joy.
Every year, I hope for a white Christmas. This year, it is painfully evident that my dream will not come true. With temperatures creeping up near 70 degrees, I can’t help but feel a bit sad. I’ve been praying for a cold front to sweep through, and I’ve contemplated sleeping with my pajamas on inside out and backwards. At this point, I’ll need a Christmas Miracle for temperatures to get under 60.
I was initially bummed out when I saw the Christmas forecast for the Philadelphia region earlier this week, but after some time for reflection, I’ve realized I’m being ridiculous. Sure, it may not feel like Christmas outside, but I have decided to make a conscious effort not to let the upswing in temperatures bring down my holiday cheer. I’m hoping that others will do the same. I’m already dreading the Facebook statuses due to arrive any day, saying things such as “Ugh I hate this weather!” and “MY CHRISTMAS IS RUINED!” We shouldn’t be focusing on the weather, but instead how lucky and fortunate we are during this holiday season. If you’re feeling down about the warmer weather, take a glance at these suggestions. Maybe they’ll turn your frown upside down just in time for Christmas Eve.
Instead of wishing for some frost on the ground, be thankful that snow, sleet, and ice won’t be hindering holiday travel. Traffic is bad enough during the holiday season. An absence of ice will help keep you and your loved ones safer.
Instead of complaining about the lack of sweater weather, take advantage of the warmer temperatures! You don’t have to bundle up in your cars this year to look at Christmas lights. It’s actually nice enough to get out and walk around (which allows you to burn some of those holiday cookie calories!)
Instead of just cursing global warming under your breath, take some time to educate yourself about the world’s rising climate. Research how you can limit your energy use. Don’t just complain, take action!
Instead of grumbling that you don’t even need to light a fire this year, be thankful that the homeless won’t be faced with frigid temperatures.
Instead of staring out the window longing for snow, take some time to perfect the art of a paper snowflake and hang them all around your house. I find snowflake-making to be therapeutic. (But please use recycled paper, of course. Or you’ll just negate the suggestion above).
Instead of feeling like the Grinch, be mindful of how fortunate you are. Whether there is snow or a sunny warm day, enjoy the holiday with loved ones!
Hopefully this helps put things into perspective this holiday season!
