My family celebrates a traditional Christmas. Many people do not, and that is okay. The joy, love, and peace that it brings my family make us happy and here's why:

1. Christmas has a real meaning.

The first reason why we love Christmas isn’t about the decorating or the gift giving, it’s about the real meaning of Christmas. Christmas has a real meaning and the real meaning of the Christmas holiday is about celebrating and honoring the sacred birth of our Lord and Savior.

2. The white Christmas snow is priceless.

Where I live, it does not always snow at Christmas time. But, when it does, the snow means that the earth is cleansing itself for a new year and for new life to begin. Playing in the snow is very fun, especially if we have a snowball fight or build a snowman. The snow can remind people that it really is Christmas and the winter season.

The snow looks amazing during the day, as it glistens in the sun like white glitter. The snow also brings in a cold breeze, with a special chill in the air that can only be experienced during Christmas time. Not everyone can experience snow for Christmas, but my family would recommend that everyone see snow for Christmas at least once during their life. It is a great feeling and makes Christmas even better.

3. Christmas music.

Who doesn’t love Christmas music? The joy of listening to Christmas carols with a cup a cocoa is one that is matched by very few other things in life. Snuggling in a blanket with family and friends, and humming these tunes can cheer one up immensely.

It encourages a feeling of closeness and leads one to feelings of joy no matter how bad things in life may be. Many classic Christmas songs offer reverent reflections on the humble entrance of our Savior into the world. Others are completely insane—especially when sung by a mob of door-to-door amateurs.

The opening lines of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” seem harmless enough, for instance, but a crowd of strangers gathered at your front door to shout, “Oh, bring us some figgy pudding” and “We won’t go until we get some, so bring it right here!” — that counts as a legitimate threat.

Especially if you have no idea what figgy pudding is and have no means of procuring it to appease the earnest crowd gathered outside your home!

4. Christmas dinner brings everyone together.

This elaborate holiday feast only happens once a year and is the most special dinner of the year, other than Thanksgiving. Family and friends from all over the world gather at one table, with Christmas chatter and laughter to fill the air.

There are always traditional Christmas foods that are prepared using seasonal recipes and even the leftovers are popular. Many people (including my family) will spend hours and sometimes days in the kitchen to prepare for a Christmas dinner.

5. A kiss under the mistletoe only happens during Christmas time.

Mistletoe has been called a symbol of virility. Since mistletoe can be harmful, it is tradition to kiss under it. This only happens at Christmas.

6. Christmas lights and decorations.

Christmas lights are one of my family's favorite things. New lights and fresh decorations mixed with old ones give a feeling of warmth and happiness. When these are up, everyone knows that Christmas is near, and this is enough to brighten even the gloomiest of moods. Decorating a tree is a pleasure worth experiencing in life. This joy is compounded when you know there is a gift waiting for you under the tree.

7. The colors of Christmas.

There are certain colors that are highly popular during the Christmas season. The colors of Christmas are found everywhere from Christmas decorations to Christmas wrapping paper and even festive clothing. These colors appear throughout the year, but Christmas is the main time when these colors are seen the most.

8. Santa Clause is coming to town.

Santa Clause, also known as Saint Nicholas or Father Christmas, is a mythical and fictional tradition that many children outgrow, but believing in Santa is fun for everyone of all ages. Santa Clause was said to bring presents to all of the good girls and boys on the night before Christmas.

He is depicted in many books, movies, and cartoons as a chubby man that is dressed in red and white with black boots. His cheeks are rosy red and his belly shakes like a bowl full of jelly when he laughs. He always says “Ho, ho, ho. Merry Christmas.”

His method of transportation is his famous sleigh with his eight reindeer. Even though my siblings and I know he isn't real, my parents still make it fun for us.

9. Christmas Entertainment is seasonal.

There is certain entertainment that can only be found and enjoyed during the Christmas season. Beginning right after Thanksgiving, Christmas music is played everywhere-the radio, in stores, and on television. Christmas carols are sung around neighborhoods and in shopping centers. Classic and new Christmas movies are shown in theaters and on television.

Christmas books and magazines are sold in grocery stores and in bookstores. Christmas plays are performed on television and in churches. The Rockettes have performed every year for Christmas and continue to do so. We love the festivity!

So, during Christmas time, if you do celebrate Christmas, spend it with your loved ones. Understand the meaning of it. Play in the snow, if you get the chance. Listen to Christmas music. Feel lucky having people over Christmas day for dinner. Kiss underneath a mistletoe. Go see Christmas lights and decorations. Love the colors of Christmas. Have fun with Santa. Enjoy the seasonal entertainment. Most importantly, have a very Merry Christmas!