1. Decorating the tree with my family.
We used to do two trees, one little one for us girls upstairs, and a big family one downstairs. Now we just do the big family one downstairs. My favorite part about this is a) It's the real start of the Christmas season for me, b)We never remember where all the ornaments come from and get to reminisce as we decorate.We go to Home Depot (every single year), pick a tree, go home and set it up, take all the ornaments out of the attic while mom makes cocoa and cider, then decorate while listening to Christmas music. We also decorate my grandparents' tree, which is just as fun and special.
2. Cookie decorating with my grandparents.
My grandma has a killer recipe for a classic sugar cookie and we decorate around a hundred cookies a year with homemade icing. This is a family tradition that goes back way before I was born and we are always more than happy to keep it going.
3. My parents switching to Christmas music.
My folks listen to a ton a music, but there's an automatic switch in the holidays that makes them go to Christmas music. My dad's a fan of Barry Manilow, while my mom tends to stick to James Taylor. They both really like Jim Brickman's album and, of course, we always listen to the music from The Muppet Christmas Carol.
4. Christmas movie marathon.
This is kind of a recent one that started, I think, my freshman or sophomore year, but it's so much fun. My family gathers on the couch, makes a ton of unhealthy food, and watches great movies. We cry together through Miracle on 34th Street, The Muppet Christmas Carol, and It's a Wonderful Life. We giggle our way through Love Actually, A Christmas Story, and Home Alone (original and sequel, but none of that third and fourth installment crap). All the while guzzling cocoa and eating junk food (side note: my momma makes killer nachos). It's some of the most fun I've ever had with my family.
5. The first time someone tells me 'Merry Christmas' in a public place.
I love it when they say 'Merry Christmas' or 'Happy Holidays' as you leave a store or when you see an old friend. It just makes me feel like Christmas is truly happening all around me.
6. Santa at the end of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
COME ON. If that is not the kick-starter to your Christmas spirit, I don't know what is.
7. Finally deciding what gifts to get my family.
I love buying gifts for others and when I finally arrive at something special to get every person in my family, I get super excited. It's just nice to be able to think of something perfect for someone else.
8. Danbury Mint Christmas Ornament.
Every year since I was born, my grandpa (whom I call 'Bubba') has been giving us these dazzlingly intricate gold ornaments. There's a new one every year and they are each truly stunning and special. Thanks to my grandpa for making this such an amazing tradition.
9. Breakfast Casserole (a.k.a. Christmas Morning).
My mom makes us this old family recipe every Christmas morning. It's a great way to start off such a special day that really should be all about family, old and new. My parents wake us up and, as is tradition, we open our gifts one by one, person by person, until we've opened all of them. Then we eat breakfast together and head over to my grandparent's house to see the rest of our family.
10. The Christmas Eve Service at St. Mark's Church.
I'm Episcopalian, which is the Protestant version of Church of England. All of our churches are intricate and beautiful, but the one I grew up in is especially so. St. Mark's has the absolutely gorgeous midnight service with lovely music and readings. It always finishes in candlelight and is, in my opinion, the most beautiful way to start my Christmas morning.
