The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Christmas is my favorite holiday.

Yes, it is way too commercial.  Yes, the season begins too early (according to retailers, the Christmas season begins before October 31st, never mind that 'other' holiday featuring turkey and thanks).  Yes, there is too much to do, too much to plan, too much to buy.

Oh, but I love it so. 

I love the lights on our Christmas tree. and I love looking at the decorated houses, even the tacky ones (but could you just wait until after Thanksgiving before hitting the switch?  Please???).

I love the taste of peppermint and eggnog (although not together), the smell of evergreen, the sound of bells and Christmas music, the look on kids' faces as they approach the big man in red. 

We are not traditionally religious, but I love the Christian story of Jesus and the Jewish story of the Miracle of Light.  We are not Dutch, but we celebrate the arrival of Sinterklaas.   There are probably a dozen other customs we've borrowed from other faiths or countries at one time or another. 

This year, for the first time, we are 'adopting' our own family who needs a little help from a 'Secret Santa'---we've bought gifts for needy families for years, but this is the first year we've adopted our own totally.  I think this may be my favorite new tradition.

So, while I will groan at the lack of parking spaces, wring my hands when UPS hasn't delivered something, curse my lack of cookie-decorating skills and cry at every sappy Christmas commercial or program, my heart will be jumping for joy.  Christmas is here! 

Comments

[Margaret]

I completely agree. In fact, as we speak, the kids are demanding to watch TSO video's on youtube (and the oldest is begging us to bring her to a concert). It's all my fault as I put the TSO CD in in the van this morning... They thought it was cool that there was a girl on keyboards (I guess they didn't realize girls could play in a band!).

Anyway, I've started some interior decorating and the wreaths are hung. The Christmas tree will go up hopefully tomorrow or Monday (as long as the dang whiskey barrel dries - don't ask).

And if I can get the kids to let me move away from the computer, I will be mailing my Christmas cards (we have a new mailman who comes anytime between 10 am and 4:30 pm so hopefully I can get them all ready in time)

[margalit]

If you do Sinterklaas, do you also do Schvartze Piet? Because he's MY personal favorite. When I lived in the Nederlands, I couldn't believe that he was in every store on wrapping paper, on cards. The most UN-PC thing I've ever seen. I loved him!

[Beck]

Saint Nicholas is coming in a very short while to my little Dutch-heritaged munchkins. They're VERY smug about it with their friends at school.
Oh, and I LOVE CHristmas too, of course.

[pinks & blues girls]

I love Christmas too. I already have some Christmas stuff up around the house, and my husband and I are going to put the tree up this weekend. I always get a little depressed taking the decorations down at the end of the season. It's just a festive time of year, filled with tradition (as you mentioned) and I love it!

Jane, Pinks & Blues