The holiday season has always been one of my favorite times of the year.
Since I was little, the atmosphere of Christmas has been one of the most warm and welcoming, and I never wanted to wait for it to come around again once it passed.
When I think of Christmas, I think of many things, all of which make my heart happy. I think of the decorations that I insist on putting up even before Thanksgiving (yes, I’m one of those people), the lights that start shining in the neighborhoods around me, the smell of cookies being baked, and the idea of being able to give all of my friends and family things they will love for the holidays. I think of the cold snow, building a snowman with my sister in the backyard, and the beautiful “White Christmas,” I think of the music that plays constantly on the radio and the in-the-car-concerts my family has, as well as the classic movies that we can quote from beginning to end that are always on *ABC Family’s* 25 Days of Christmas (I will never call it Freeform). I think of members of my family who live far away coming to spend the best holiday of the year with me, and I walk around in a state of happiness all season long.
The joy of Christmas is infectious. When people are excited around you, it’s really hard to be a Scrooge and not join in that excitement with them. When your friends think of you and get you gifts, you can’t help but feel loved, and when you think of the perfect thing to get your parents, your siblings, your best friends, or your significant other, you can’t help but feel the true spirit of the holidays.
The crucial thing to remember about Christmas is this: it’s not about money. The media puts a lot of hype on the commercial aspect of the holiday; but that's not, nor should it be what it is really about. The holiday is not about who can get who the biggest, the most expensive, or the newest and hottest gifts; it is about being happy, being with the ones you love and who love you. It’s about being appreciative and joyful for all you do have, and with that overwhelming gratefulness, it’s about taking some time to give to those who may not be as fortunate as you. If you can, donate some toys or some food, or take a card from the Giving Tree at your church if you attend one; just please take any opportunity you have to make someone else’s holiday just as enjoyable as yours.
Enjoy the little things. Enjoy the cold weather outside and the warmth of the fire inside. Enjoy the time you get off from school and work, and the time you have to spend with the people who love you most. Enjoy the food, the laughter, and the memories waiting to be made. Every Christmas is special and unique, but still take time to appreciate your traditions. Have experiences that you cannot wait to tell your college friends about. Be nice to your little sister, no matter how much she gets on your nerves, and fully absorb the look of pure happiness you see on her face when she gets the fuzzy socks she’s wanted SO bad. Watch The Year Without a Santa Claus with your family in your living room, with the only light being that of your Christmas tree, help your mom make the food to bring back and forth to family and friends, do anything you can to enjoy the moments you have with the people who mean the most to you.
Be giving and forgiving, and completely immerse yourself in the spirit of this beautiful holiday season.
