If anybody knows me, they know I am Christmas obsessed. “Jingle Bell Rock” is blasting in my car literally while trick or treaters are changing out of their costumes for the year. The words “don’t you think it’s a little early for that?” mean nothing to me. Everything about the whole Christmas season excites me to no end, and I think it’s because I have such fond memories of Christmas as a kid. These are some of my favorite memories of Christmas time, and I think many of them will be relatable.

1. Going to tree lightings

I grew up in Kennebunkport, Maine, and they would put on a great tree lighting.

2. Christmas light drives

My mom and dad used to drive my brother and me around town looking at people’s Christmas lights while we sang Christmas songs. I always thought it was crazy how many lights some people put up, considering we put lights on our bushes in the front yard and called it a day.

3. Cutting down a (perfect) Christmas tree

As a kid, we would always go to a Christmas Tree farm and cut down a tree ourselves. I never made this an easy task, though. I criticized every tree like it was my job. We didn’t leave that farm until our tree we’d picked out was picture perfect.

4.The feeling of looking at a lit up Christmas tree

This is still a feeling that is very happy and exciting to me.

5. Class Christmas parties

Class Christmas parties in elementary school were so awesome. Everyone brought in a snack. Tables full of Christmas cookies, peppermints, and chocolate dipped pretzels filled the room. We would listen to Christmas music while talking about what we hoped Santa was going to bring us this year. Nothing said Friday before Christmas break like one of these class parties.

6. Watching Christmas movies

Snuggling up on the couch with the family and watching a Christmas movie is still something I love to do. Some of our favorites are Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, the Grinch, and Frosty the Snowman.

7. The decorations

Every year, to this day, my mom and I decorate the house for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving. It is one of my favorite traditions. It’s so exciting getting the decorations out from the basement and it really kicks off the start of the season.

8. Going to live nativity scenes

In Kennebunkport, the town put on a live nativity scene. I don’t remember that much about it, but I remember it being very cool and very festive.

9. Baking with mom

My mom makes a lot of good food on Christmas Eve, but my favorite was helping her bake. By helping, I mean sitting in the kitchen and licking the spoon when she handed it to me.

10. Shopping with dad

My dad and I go shopping together for my mom and brother’s gifts, and it always ends up being a lot of fun. One particular time I remember, we were in Bath and Body works; while smelling a lotion a squeezed a good amount up my nose. Good times.

11. The Polar Express

In the second grade, my family and our family friends all went to North Conway, New Hampshire and went on the Polar Express. I remember my excitement as we arrived at (what I thought was) the North Pole. Santa made an appearance, and I was certain it was the real him. My parents tell me that on that night, my eyes lit up when I saw him, and exclaimed, “that’s the real Santa! I know it is!”

12. Ruining Christmas

This seems like a strange thing to reminisce on fondly, but the year I ruined Christmas changed the way we celebrate it now. I believe it was 2006, meaning I was 7-years-old. To start off the day, we woke up and the power was out. It was cold, and my parents couldn’t have their morning coffee, and they definitely needed it. I woke them up at 6 a.m. Me, being present-obsessed, ripped through all my gifts as fast as I could. Whereas my 2-year-old brother took his time and enjoyed each gift he was opening.

Because of this, I thought he received way more than I did. I proceeded to throw a fit that a 7-year-old really shouldn’t throw. Parents put so much effort into making sure their kids have a great Christmas, so I feel very badly about this. Now when we open presents, we go in a circle and take our time with each gift.

13. Dad’s birthday

My dad’s birthday is on Christmas day, and his mom's birthday was December 26th. So each year, my Grammy and Papa would come over. We would have a Christmas celebration with them, and then have a double birthday party; complete with gifts, cake, and pie.

14. Tracking Santa

There was never a Christmas eve where we didn’t jump on the internet to find out where Santa was.

15. Making reindeer dust

My brother and I used to make a strange concoction to attract the reindeer. I think it would consist of oatmeal, glittery sprinkles, and crushed candy canes.

16. Leaving out milk and cookies

Seeing that he’d taken a few bites was equally exciting.

17. Wanting to go to bed at 5:30 pm on Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve, I used to be so excited for the next morning that I would want to go to bed as early as possible. The excitement would usually prevent me from falling asleep though.

18. And wanting to get up at 5:30 am on Christmas day

Mom, dad. I’m sorry. I’m really sorry.

19. Playing with my presents all day

One of the best things about being a kid on Christmas was receiving all things you could play with. Of course, it’s awesome now to receive clothes and things we actually need, but being able to play with new toys all day was very fun.

20. Seeing my cousins, aunts, and uncles

Usually a couple days after Christmas, our whole extended family would get together and celebrate Christmas. It was always a great time hanging out with everyone, especially the cousins.

21. Seeing my grandparents

I loved seeing my grandparents, especially on Christmas. Spending the holidays with your family is what it’s all about, so having them was and still is such a blessing.

Merry Christmas everybody!