I can’t exactly pinpoint what it is about this time of year that I love so much, it just gives me that warm goosh feeling inside. That overwhelming bliss where simple daily tasks are accompanied by Sees candy and people watching is escalated to a whole new level. Nothing fills me more with glee than to see a Lincoln Town Car jam-packed full of people, undoubtedly related, on their merry way. Little Bobbie miserably squished in the middle on the hump seat as he suffers through Aunt Maud’s rancid perfume while Grandpa drives like he got his license out of a cracker-jack box. They are miserable, but so happy, and I love it. Any other time I would be cursing this blue-hair crew with a go back to Michigan grumbling, but not in December. In December, it takes on a whole new meaning.
Maybe it’s the excitement of pulling out your decorations and rediscovering little treasures wrapped in tissue paper and tucked away neatly in plastic boxes, memories unraveled with each. The festive music mix that is resurrected on Thanksgiving day that carries through the season. The cold nip that makes the rats act silly like they suddenly turned back time on their 12 year-old arthritic bodies. There are so many reasons why it’s so grand.
It’s decorating the tree… together. Finding the perfect spot for each dangling curio, and politely placing the sea cucumber ornament towards the back of the tree.
It’s reading your favorite Christmas book from Nordys, and turning the pages over and over again just to look in awe at the illustrations.
It’s finally getting that last extension chord to finish stringing your Christmas lights. There’s something therapeutic and wondrous about driving home from work, yards illuminated creating an ambient glow to guide your way. A soundtrack of lights. And you have to have your holiday music playing (of course!).
Without a doubt, it’s family. A trip with my beautiful nieces to the North Pole to see Santa via the Polar Express. Upon arrival were scattered pods of crackling wood fires ready for roasting s’mores. Am I the only one that likes burned marshmallows?
This was a place where mittens were used as ear warmers, and if you dare try to retrieve them, fingers got bitten!
We froze our fannies off in the open air cattle car but huddled together we laughed and talked and created yet another memory to put in that growing bin of treasures.
And who doesn’t love the North Pole when their port-o-lets come donned with festivus lights!
Kiddies, the train has left the station and is in full force. Relax and take in every ounce of the ride – it always goes by way too fast!
Suggested Listening – Love Came Down At Christmas / Jars of Clay
