I came across a question the other day: “What’s your favorite thing about Christmas?”
After thinking about this I realized there is no possible way I could come up with just one answer. I came up with a list and I’m sure there are plenty others that you can add.
Here’s what I came up with:
Christmas music. I think one reason is the memories. I can still hear certain songs and have a flashback to the early ‘80s when I was working on WMYS with Joanie Pfeifer. It was a mad rush to Christmas as we had to record all the Christmas commercials. The station was automated at times and the automation systems were nothing like they are today. We had to check and double check everything.
I will admit that I updated my Christmas playlist this year. I still love the Frank Sinatra and Andy Williams classics but I decided it was time to give “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Holly Jolly Christmas” and “Do They Know It’s Christmas” a break.
Christmas cookies. If you follow me on Facebook you know I post this picture every year.
My wife loves to bake Christmas cookies. There are Sugar Cookies and Chocolate Snappers but when the Peanut Butter Blossoms come out….HOLD MY CALLS AND GET ME A TALL GLASS OF MILK!
Christmas movies. There are so many good ones I struggle to find time to watch them all. “Christmas Vacation” with Chevy Chase is a family favorite. Then of course “The Muppets Christmas Carol,” “The Grinch,” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” I have many more I like but the list could go on forever.
Christmas decorations. I may have told you before that my mom made some beautiful ceramics over the years. Every year it seemed we got another one as a gift and when she passed away we inherited more. There is a beautiful nativity scene that we put out every year. Every piece has such incredible detail.
She gave away many of her creations over the years but that one was special to her.
Christmas gift giving. I may complain (Who? ME?) that I don’t know what to get but once I figure it out and get it done I can’t wait for Christmas morning to see the look on the recipient’s face. And I’m not going to pretend that I don’t like receiving gifts. After 40+ years of marriage (and gifts), Priscilla still surprises me every year.
Gathering with family and friends. The list of attendants always seems to change either because of the “circle of life” or travel and Navy commitments. No matter who can make it home or who has moved on, I appreciate the time I get to spend with the ones that do come. The older I get the more I appreciate these times. You never know how much time you’re going to get to enjoy these special people.
I guess if I had to give one answer to the question “What’s your favorite part of Christmas?” I would say… the memories.
Memories of when I was a boy and rushing down the stairs to see what Santa brought. My mom was a single parent with two boys but Christmas was always special.
Memories of my own children waking up at 4:30 a.m. to look under the tree. Even though I may not have loved the early wake up call back-in-the-day, considering Priscilla and I probably didn’t get to bed until 1 or 2 a.m., it brings a smile to my face now.
The living room floor was completely covered in crumbled up wrapping paper after everything was opened. I’m sure a gift or two got thrown away over the years and there was that one year we lost the dog. Kidding! I’m kidding! The poor thing did look a little intimidated. “Where do I walk?!”
I know the holidays can be a sad time of year for those who recently suffered a loss or are dealing with health issues. I can understand that. Maybe, just maybe, you can try focusing on some of those happy memories. I know it’s been said before but I’ll say it again:
Try not to be sad that those moments are gone. Be happy that they happened and you were there to enjoy.
Merry Christmas my friend!
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