I love the holidays! From the endless joy felt throughout the air to the smiles on everyone's face- the holidays are a wonderful time. Everyone loves the glistening white snow, shining Christmas lights, and grouchy, late-night shoppers. It's all beautiful!
The holidays all begin with the chilling breeze felt, even through you're new white winter coat. It seems all joyous until the snow melts through your mittens and you're fingers hurt to move. The zipper is up to your chin and the hood makes you appear to be a marshmallow. Then to top it all off, somehow you're solid white coat turned to a dingy gray. How?!
And who doesn't love shopping during the winter season? The best deals of the year start late November and continue through late December. A flat screen television for 50% off and three percent cash back?! Does life get any better than this? Of course it does, when the sleep deprived mother of three is fighting over the Hatchling toy and already has a cart full of toys and clothes.
Now onto wrapping the endless supply of gifts you purchased your family. The room filled with large bags and boxes of every color for every person you care about. Even those you do not care about, like your boss’ assistant and your long lost cousin you haven't heard from since the year prior. The even better part of wrapping is how much money you spent on name tags and tape alone just so you can give them the gifts. Speaking of tape, you'll be finding it all over your floor for the next two months. And somehow, someway you are going to run out of the correct size bag at the last minute.
On our way to the holiday dinner. All smiles and dressed up for family pictures! Everyone hugs and exchanges gifts the moment you are in the door. Why were you late? The hours of traffic, of course! Why else? Horns were slammed and words were said but at least you are at the party now! The children are all playing with new toys and laughing- bellies full of ham and pie. No one had the heart to tell Aunt Melanie her fruit cake is just as disgusting as Aunt Kallie’s pie that tasted of soap.
At the end of the night, you're on your way out the door. Tears are shed because you know you will not think of them again until next shopping season and “thank yous” are never-ending. It was a lovely time spent with those you love, but also Cousin Amber has not attended the dinner in three years and tried to “cancel Christmas” in the past.
The holidays are hectic, joyous, and saddening- but they are great because you feel all of these emotions at once!
