Christmas is one of the most magical times of the year; it always has been and it always will be. Between the snow, hot chocolate, skiing, vacations, Christmas morning, and New Year's Eve parties, there's so much to love. The meaning of the holiday and how we understand it changes as we grow up. The anticipation for Christmas Eve night declines more and more as we get older. There comes a day when we stop writing lists and leaving cookies and carrots out for Santa and his reindeer. Although there are many holiday traditions that we become too old for, there are some things that we will never outgrow.
1. Matching Christmas pajamas
My mom can't be the only one in the world that forced us all to wear awkward matching pajamas on Christmas (and took pictures for photo evidence and future blackmail). When I was younger, I thought it was the cutest thing matching with my little sister, but then I reached an age where I thought I was too cool to rock my Old Navy pajama pants with the polar bears and hot cocoa on them. Now, it's cool again (kinda), and pretty hilarious (don't ask me why, I'll just never outgrow this).
2. Fuzzy Christmas socks
This one only gets better with age. As a kid, it was annoying opening a package from Grandma and getting socks when it could have been that new Barbie house. Now, however, fuzzy socks might just single-handedly be the greatest gift you could ever receive.
3. Driving around looking at Christmas lights
As a kid, there's nothing I enjoyed more than going on long car rides with my family, looking at all the houses decorated for Christmas, especially those houses that went all-out with candy canes, a million reindeer statues, a nativity scene, AND a blow-up Santa.
4. Picking out and decorating the tree
This one will be a tradition so long as Christmas exists. There's something really special about being outside in the snow, trying to find the perfect tree that will fit in the corner of the living room, with just enough room for the star, especially if you do it the right way at a tree farm, and cut it down yourself. The best part is unpacking all of the old ornaments you made in school when you were little.
5. The sugar high
Hot cocoa, marshmallows, cider, eggnog, cookies, cake, candy canes, those weird green and red gumdrop things that taste kinda bad but you eat them anyway, you name it. You're never too old to OD on giant, solid chocolate Santas or Reese's Christmas trees.
6. Baking and decorating Christmas cookies
7. The spirit of the holiday
It's a little corny, I know, but it really is true. The magic, the joy, and the thankfulness that you felt as a kid during the holiday season never really goes away. In fact, it only strengthens as you grow up and gain a deeper appreciation for the meaning of the holiday itself, as well as all the work your family put into it, trying to make it the best few days of your year.
