To me, it really is the most wonderful time of the year. I am the definition of Christmas spirit. I love the lights on Christmas trees, I love seeing all the happy faces while shopping, I love cheery Christmas songs, I love loaded hot chocolate that is overflowing with marshmallows. But what I love most of all is the spirit that comes this time of year.
Usually, I am the person who puts up their Christmas tree in October. I just can't wait for the festive season to arrive. The sights and sounds of Christmas is something I wish people felt all year long. During this time of year, you'll find me in nothing but the holiday spirit, usually with a big cup of hot cocoa and warm mittens.
I waited to put my tree up until November 1, but it took all the strength I had in my entire body. Nothing quite brings me joy as much as going through the boxes and boxes of decorations every year. One of my favorite joys is looking at ornaments from through the years and finding the memories of long ago.
My Christmas Tree, December 2021
A tradition in my family, that was started by my grandmother, is that of ornament swapping. Each year, my grandma carefully selects a Christmas ornament that represents each of her grandchildren, in laws, and children. It usually represents something we love, wether it be a hobby, a job, a talent, our favorite food, anything that encompasses the people we are. My tree is littered with ornament memories, including a strip of bacon (my favorite breakfast food), a typewriter (to signify my journalism career), a sparkly gingerbread man (I am the sparkle queen), and an owl holding a diploma (I am the first to graduate college in my family).
Every year when I put up my tree, these little ornaments bring reminders of Christmas past. I also really like to reflect this time of year. There are many things I am grateful for; a warm house, my cat Jet, a job I love, friends and family that are healthy and happy.
As I wind down my final blog for 2021, I want to thank all my readers from the bottom of my heart for checking out my website and for reading week after week about my various adventures. I'll be taking the next few weeks off with family and friends and to enjoy my favorite time of year. I hope all of you will catch me in the new year.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy New Year!
Signing off,
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