As the season changes and holidays rapidly pass, I often see my friends post about what they are grateful for, or some kind of merry holiday message to the world. This isn’t really a tradition for me, but this year I find myself thinking of a few of my favorite holiday things, people, and places and figured I share my thoughts with all of you. It may help if you grab a cup of hot chocolate or candy cane peppermint tea. You know, to set the mood (it is before thanksgiving and all!).
Things: Music
So let’s start with one of my favorite things in the world, music. There is nothing better than some amazing holiday music to start the season off right. Here are my go-to Christmas albums EVERY YEAR!
- N*Sync Christmas- literally there is NO BETTER CHRISTMAS ALBUM OUT THERE. Fight me.
- Lauren Daigle- released a Christmas album last year and it is beautiful, classic, and whimsy all at the same time. But everything she touches is brilliant.
- Michael Buble’- DUH
- Josh Groban- are you noticing I’m a fan of the classics?
- Ralph Carmichael Christmas- My mom would play this album growing up, on cassette tape no less, every year. The second I hear it start, I know Christmas is here. And it’s beautifully orchestrated.
- Pentatonix- Amazing harmonies, gorgeous arrangements, and incredibly executed. You can’t go wrong.
- Adele- JK she doesn’t have a Christmas album, but if she did you KNOW she would be at the top of my list too.
Things: Movies
I have sadly (or maybe gladly) been dragged into the deep of loving Hallmark Christmas Movies. It is not something I wanted for myself, but here we are. There is something about a happy ending at Christmas, that makes me feel happy and light. And I don’t even care about the bad acting or consistent story lines it took to get me there, I’m just glad I’m there. So outside of the MILLIONS of Christmas movies the Hallmark Empire has to offer, these are the ones I love every year.
- A Christmas Story- It’s on all day Christmas Day on TBS. Every year. I grew up watching this movie. I can quote it like nothing else, and it still makes me laugh. Every. Dang. Time. Because who doesn’t laugh at a child so wrapped up in winter clothing they can’t put their arms down?
- White Christmas- my love for this classic reemerged over the years while watching a few of my nieces. They love this movie and now I’ve seen it enough times to fully appreciate the love and core of the story line and the great one liners.
- Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade- while not a movie, I still love watching the parade every year, the performances, the floats, and the welcoming of the holidays. One day I will be there in the crowd myself.
- Harry Potter Days on Freedom Channel- I don’t know why I think these feel like Christmas movies, but I’m putting them on the list. I have watched these movies so many times (I think you already know I used HP as my background noise for the large majority of writing my dissertation) I don’t even have to pay attention to know what is going on. I love these movies at the holidays because they help me get in the magical spirit, especially the Goblet of Fire one as I wrap presents, online shop, decorate the house, etc.
Things: To Do
- Appetizers with Family on Christmas Day- I love having options to eat, a bite or two of many different things. Most holidays we have appetizers and over the last few years, I am the one that made them. My go to menu for appetizers are: Olives, pickles, cheese, crackers, sausage balls, white queso, and a variety of unique salsas with chips. A little bit cheese board, a little bit Texas. It is the perfect combination and makes me feel truly in the holiday spirit.
- Journaling under the Christmas Tree- I think I started this 20 years ago. I don’t really remember why, but every year throughout the holiday season, I take my journal and layout under the Christmas tree and write by the tree lights. I especially enjoy writing out my goals for the new year on New Year’s Eve from that vantage point. I have no idea why I enjoy it so much, but I LOVE starting a new year this way and have for two decades.
- Starbucks- Having my first peppermint hot chocolate (with almond milk) or seasonal crème brulee latte, I am always happy. Something about a hot drink I can’t get year-round (not peppermint hot chocolate- that you can get year-round) in a cute holiday cup makes me feel festive.
- Christmas Eve Services- I usually attend two or three each year. One at my church and one at my parent’s church, and then if another friend invites me or needs encouragement going, I tend to tag along. I love the candle lighting while singing silent night, the Christmas Carols sung by the congregation, and the conclusion of the story for the reason we celebrate in the first place.
At the end of the holiday season, I am always sad to see it go. I love how people seem to be nicer to one another, the world slows down for just a little while, and we tend to vocally appreciate the things around us more. It is a beautiful season, and at the end of it all, I am thankful I get to celebrate Christmas year-round by believing in the true reason for the season (sound cheesy??), Jesus. If only I (we all) would remember that more often, to be kind, to slow down, and share our thoughts of thanks more often to each other, to the Creator who made us, and to those we love the most. What are your family traditions and how do they make you feel connected to the Savior of the world? Use the comments space below to share your favorite holiday tradition or memory!
