The Christmas Season can officially begin; though for many retailers and stores around the country, that happened back in June (Notice the date this picture was taken)
Christmas in June?
(Added June 25 · ·
(Added June 25 · ·
The turkey and stuffing has been eaten and eaten and eaten. Football games have been aplenty. Black Friday shopping was more than I bargained for. The colors of the trees have turned to shades of oranges, reds, and yellows (although, I suppose here in Texas, it's still a work in progress). Yes, Thanksgiving has come and Thanksgiving has passed. Now I can really get into the Christmas spirit. You can't go wrong with Thanksgiving; for the obvious reasons above. However, there is something(s) about the Christmas season that, in my eyes, makes it the most wonderful time of the year.
Without further ado, here are my Top 10 reasons why I am looking forward to this
MOST WONDERFUL time of the year.
10. Decorations
Face it. Nothing can beat the loaded window displays, the ribbons and garlands around every lamp post, the glittering lights of various colors and doilies and nativity scenes and christmas trees decorated to the brim with ornaments.
9. Music
Carols - traditional or not. The music can lift your spirits on a down day, and who doesn't love belting out "O Holy Night" (bad as it may be, but seriously, who can sing it like Josh Groban anyways).
8. Lights
What is it about the soft glow of Christmas lights that makes me feel all warm and cozy inside?
7. Baking
As if I need another excuse to put on my apron and getting my baking on. Fudge. Cookies. Bread. Toffee. Yule Logs. Brownies. Welcome to the Land of Sweets!
6. The Smells
Fresh Christmas trees. Cinnamon and spices. Bread and cookies baking in the oven. Do I need to keep going? You get the picture.
5. Giving Gifts
Shopping this time of year can be chaotic....no, make that shopping IS chaotic. Despite the mass of people, the lines, the waiting, and more people....it's a lot of fun trying to find the perfect gift for whomever I'm shopping for; and then the feeling you get when you see the look of joy on their face after they have opened their gift. Priceless!
4. Spending time with Family
With all the hustle and bustle that comes with the Christmas season, making time to spend time with those near and dear to your heart should not be forgotten. Whether it's a night by the fire sipping hot chocolate, making Holiday treats in the kitchen, or watching a Christmas classic on TV, nothing beats doing those activities when I get to do it with my family. To quote Burton Hills, "The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other."
3. New York City
This year is particularly exciting and NYC is even more a reason why I am looking forward to this season. Why? Though family is near and far, Christmas will bring us together in New York City this year...we have Caitlin to thank for that (See earlier post). Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Light and decorations in Times Square. Snow in Central Park. The Radio City Rockettes. I got a feeling that it's going to be spectacular!
2. Worldwide Celebration and Traditions
Unlike Thanksgiving, or Independence Day, Christmas is celebrated throughout the world. Whether in France, or New Zealand, or Africa, Ukraine, Mexico, or Japan - millions of people gather together with friends and family to celebrate this special time of the year. Though the language, the food, and traditions may differ, the reason for the season can bring us all together to celebrate what the season is truly about.
And that brings me to reason one....
1. Christ, the Savior of the World
Decorations are up, people are madly shopping for gifts, the Grinch can rear its ugly face, and the man in the red suit is more talked about than the person for whom we celebrate this joyous holiday. Though it's fun to bake, decorate, blast out those Christmas tunes, and shop for that perfect gift, this season is the time to stop and reflect on why we really celebrate this time of year. It is not the gifts, the trees, the decorations, or the food that make this a season full of wonder. It is when we remember the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, that the Christmas season becomes truly special. It is no coincidence that Christmas is the time of the year when people are the most loving, the most giving, the most kind, and the most grateful. In the true spirit of CHRISTmas - in between the Christmas parties, gift exchanges, present shopping, and decorating - let us find ways to lift up those around us and celebrate our Savior’s birth by being followers of Christ in word and deed. Yes, it truly is the MOST WONDERFUL time of the year.
