I love Christmas! So far this has been a very thoughtful Christmas season, with Advent and all the talk about stuff, but just because Christmas has been turned into a money machine doesn't mean we can't still enjoy the season with all of its memories and traditions. Here are a few of my favorite things about Christmas:
- Cold! And all things related - sweaters, hot chocolate, snow, blankets, and slippers.
- Christmas songs. Something about Christmas music makes me feel happy immediately. Particular favorites: O Come, O Come Emmanuel, O Holy Night, Little Drummer Boy, Jingle Bell Rock, White Christmas, and anything from Michael Buble, Josh Groban, or Sarah McLachlan.
- Food. Cookies, cocoa, candy. That's all you need.
- Christmas movies - Love Actually, Elf, Miracle on 34th St.
- Family. So many hilarious and wonderful memories, like my dad stealing my brother's new scooter to ride around the block in his flannel PJ's. When you're 5000 miles from home in a country that doesn't celebrate Christmas, you get all kinds of random and crazy memories.
- Decorating, especially the Christmas tree. One of my favorite memories of our marriage so far is decorating our first tree last year.
- Laughing at Scott and his obsession with all things Christmas, especially Barry Manilow's holiday album.
- Christmas lights. Anything can be made beautiful with just a few strategically-placed twinkle lights. Except maybe the crazies who buy every electric Santa in Wal-Mart and place it in their yard. Hello, Griswolds.
- Shopping for presents (unless I wait super late, like this year). Picking out things for family, friends, and even strangers is so much fun, and it's exciting to be able to give a little joy to someone.
- Christmas Eve services - with the candles, the songs, the people celebrating with hope...this might be my most favorite of them all.
- Last, but not least...CHRISTMAS BREAK! No school = joy!
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