Many of us struggle to get things done at this time of year. When we have to work right up until a few days before Christmas, things can feel hectic. That’s why I like to step back and think about some of the things I love about Christmas time.
Being a working parent means getting everything done on the weekends. (Or after the kids are in bed.) And somehow it seems I’ve managed that this year. I always marvel when life seems to actually work out, despite my natural disorganization!
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Now that the big day is getting near, I wanted to share seven things I really love about Christmas time.
Eating
Do I really need to say more? From the beginning of December until well into the new year, my caloric intake goes up. This year I am trying to be more mindful of how much I’m eating, but I know I’ll still overindulge. And, at my past workplace, our customers would bring in boxes of chocolates or cookies because they loved us so much. It was very, very sweet but sometimes we’d have two tins of cookies, a box of chocolates, and some other homemade treats all on the go at the same time!
My willpower was awful when I was AT work. Now that I work from home, it’s a bit better. At home I occupy myself with different tasks, and food is away, so its more work to get to the cookies. Also, using smaller plates, and making/taking more vegetables helps me from eating way too much.
Drinking
In my home, I’m the only one who indulges in alcoholic beverages. This is both good and bad. It means all the alcohol in my house, I can drink. But it also means I often “drink alone” – as in not sharing, not really as in sitting at home, alone, having a glass of wine. (Though I do that too…) So over the holidays, I love getting together with the family and having a few drinks. It also means I’m quite easy to buy for! *wink wink*
Wrapping Gifts
Some people find gift wrapping tedious (my husband) but I quite enjoy it. One year I spent 5 episodes of Game of Thrones wrapping presents in one afternoon. And I wasn’t even finished afterward! But I love the beauty of a well-wrapped gift. Square(ish) corners, a nice bow or ribbon, and a sweet gift tag all combine to make an elegant parcel. Though sometimes I wonder why I waste my time when it’s all ripped off in about five seconds once the kids get their hands on their gifts!
Holiday Lights & Decor
While I’m not one to gussy up the house much at Christmas time, I do love seeing all the decor everywhere I go. When I was a kid we would take family drives around the neighbourhoods to look at all the Christmas lights. We haven’t made a lot of effort with our kids to do that – though we have taken the long way home when we see some in the distance.
Related: 5 Easy Holiday Traditions to Start with your Family Right Now!
Having Young Children
When you’re a child yourself, you don’t fully understand much about the Christmas season. Yes, you get the gift-giving, family gathering, eating junk food, and being off school stuff, but you don’t see the wonder of the season from the other side. Now that I am a parent Christmas time is more special.
The girls still have an almost unfailing belief in Santa, Elfie Sparkle (our Elf on the Shelf) and every other magical aspect of this time of year. I love feeding into it: “Did you find Elfie this morning?”; watching Christmas films and specials; baking treats and wrapping gifts together. Seeing the surprise and wonder on their faces on Christmas morning is the number one thing I love about Christmas time.
Time with the Family
I know a lot of people gripe about families. And sometimes I do too. But really, there’s nothing better than getting together and relaxing with family and friends.
Whether you have a big family, or small, holiday traditions are special. I have both – a really large side of our family (my husband’s side) and an intimate side of my own. Both have advantages and disadvantages. But, both are also fun, loving, and unique. And they are often the people you can be “yourself” with the most.
And don’t forget to get together with the family you choose – your friends! We love to plan a dinner out before (or after) the holidays to see those we love but don’t often make enough time for during our busy years.
Giving
Whether you bake (or buy) some cookies and share them with your neighbours, family, and friends, or volunteer your time at a charity or soup kitchen, giving is the real spirit of the season. I love surprising people with something sweet and thoughtful at Christmas time. Often the smallest gestures get the most reward for the giver. When you give the perfect thing – whether it’s something you’ve handmade, a big, extravagant gift, or your time – it warms your soul. Or, at least it does for me!
What do you love about Christmas? Is there a fun tradition or something else you do as a family that warms your heart? I want to hear about it! Share with me in the comments.
~Jess
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This article was last updated on Dec. 4, 2023.
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