5 Reasons Why I Love Christmas

While fall is my favourite season, Christmas is my favourite holiday. I have fond memories of celebrating Christmas at my grandmother’s house when I young, and I also have some bittersweet memories when our Christmas traditions started to change when I got a little older. I wanted it to stay the same forever, but traditions evolve over time and my family’s Christmas traditions have definitely gone through some over hauls in my forty years on this earth.

And that’s okay. Change is inevitable and we have to learn to cope with that. Even though Christmas is different than the way I remember it being when I was eight or nine, Christmas remains my favourite holiday. And it’s a favourite holiday for many others as well, for a variety of different reasons.

Today I am sharing with you reasons why I absolutely love Christmas.

It’s about the Giving

Christmas is a time of gift giving. And this can get caught up in commercialized shopping where we are buying things for others just because. Just because it’s Christmas. Just because you feel you have to. Just because everyone is doing it. And in this way, Christmas can be a draining time of year, emotionally and financially. It’s hard thinking of what to give people, even family members, when you are giving just because. But really, Christmas is supposed to be a time to pause and to give to others thoughtfully. They might not need another weather, but maybe they need some extra cash to make ends meet. You can gift a gift card instead to contribute. Many homes necessities like groceries, cleaning supplies, hygienic supplies can be purchased at places like Wal-mart or local pharmacies. So give to give, not just because. Give because you care about that person. Giving gifts that are meaningful and minimal can much easier than you think so check out the link.

The Decorations

I love Christmas decorations! I am not exactly sure why the reindeer and wreathes and trees make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, but they sure do. Maybe it’s because they bring a lot of light to a time of year that is especially dark. Maybe it’s the anticipation of waiting for Christmas to celebrate with gifts and family, but the decorations really set the mood for me and remind me of simpler times. To me they signal relaxation and joy. But the gold ribbon and silver angels and shining baubles are bright and happy, just as Christmas should be. Christmas decor can be as simple or as all out as you want it to be, and either way it’s a great way to get into the spirit of the season. Personally, this year I’m keeping it simple with a tree, a countdown reindeer and a nativity scene. It brings the season into my home perfectly without being overwhelming.

It’s about Family

Christmas is a time for family. Usually families gather to exchange gifts or to eat a meal together. And I think this is so important. It’s easy to become disconnected in today’s busy world. Between work, errands, chores and other activities, sometimes months go by without you seeing that cousin you grew up with and played with, or the aunt that baby sat you and played with you. Christmas is a time to reconnect with those family members, to sit back and remember that we have a support system, people who love us and want what is best for us. If you cannot gather with family, sending out holiday cards and having a family Zoom meet sometime during Christmas is also a great way to reconnect. Especially if you all take the time to play a carol or two while you chat and maybe share a drink or two.

It’s Snowy and Bright

All right, this might be ultra Canadian of me, but no one likes a green Christmas. It’s just not the same without a good snowfall (that you can still drive in) that turns Christmas into a winter wonderland. The snow just adds an element of beauty and brightness to a day that is all about sharing, light and joy. So yes, every year I am dreaming of a white Christmas.

Gifts and Cards and Everything Nice

I always feel disappointed when someone opens a gift I’ve given them and isn’t immediately happy. I feel like I’ve let them down. While Christmas isn’t about the getting of gifts, but the giving, I always want to give something a person will enjoy. And a few years I feel like I’ve failed one person or another. But I love seeing someone happy with the gift I have given, and honestly, who wouldn’t? We all want to open a gift and feel like a kid again don’t we? So each year I try and be creative and come up with useful, thoughtful gifts for my family. I want to be generous because they are generous with me. It’s not easy, but Christmas is wonderful because when you do open a gift that you love, that says someone was really thinking about you, it make the day that much more special. Sometimes the words written inside of a card are very meaningful, sometimes it’s the gift itself that touches your heart. These things brings us closer because it reminds us that we are important to others, and we sometimes need that reminder.

Final thoughts

I realize that Christmas isn’t a happy time of year for everyone. I realize that for many it can be difficult. But Christmas is a season of hope, and so I encourage you all to reach out in some way, to donate to a charity or food bank, to write Christmas cards for the elderly in a care home, or drop off plants for patients in hospitals. It’s a way to give the greatest gift of all: love and hope.

What do you love about Christmas? Share in the comments below.