As Fred Astaire would say, "The Christmas season is upon us, and isn't it jolly and wonderful!"
The first part of the holiday season that I consider to be one of my favorite parts is Thanksgiving. I know that it technically isn't a part of the Christmas season but, let's face it, it's becoming so what with the Christmas commercials coming on TV long before the turkey is cut. My family and I still hold to the tradition of holding off to decorate until the day after Thanksgiving. This truly commences the joy of Christmas time because, usually, the whole family (yeah, all 4 of us) is together. My dad handles the tree, my mom and sister, the ornaments, and I put up the little snow town above the fireplace while listening to Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole and, if the moment just happens to be perfect, it spontaneously begins to snow outside. But, alas, Colorado weather is rather unpredictable so if this ever happens it is quite a gift.
The other day I watched the newest episode of Grey's Anatomy. I am slowly but surely becoming quite smitten with whoever selects the music for each episode because each episode lately has my new favorite song included. This last episode was holiday themed and, of course, the song All I Want For Christmas (Is To Give My Love Away) by The Rescues is highlighted. Hands down my favorite Christmas song of the year. But, the classics never get old. My Christmas albums consist of A Charlie Brown Christmas, Noel by Josh Groban, The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Home for Christmas by Amy Grant (I know, I know, but it's a tradition), A Jolly Christmas by Frank Sinatra, and the Now That's What I Call Christmas classics including some single favorites: Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by John & Yoko and The Plastic Ono Band, Wonderful Christmastime by Paul McCartney, and White Christmas by Bing Crosby.
"Blast this Christmas music. It's joyful and triumphant." The Grinch
Another little ditty that I adore about Christmas is pumpkin pie. From October to January, pumpkin pie is plentiful at every restaurant and kitchen in America, especially mine! Every year, my birthday lands near Thanksgiving so I opt for a pumpkin pie birthday cake rather than the classic white or chocolate. You would think I would grow tired of pie and whipped cream after Christmas, but I don't!
One thing I haven't had the chance to make a tradition, but did once and fell in love with, is visit downtown Denver to see the decorations and go shopping at the 16th Street Mall. This is the epitome of superficial Christmas time, which I don't think is the high point of Christmas but we can't escape it either...
"Oh. Bleeding hearts of the world UNITE." The Grinch
The main event for me each Christmas season is piling the family (once again, all four of us) into the jeep and going to the Christmas Eve service at church. All the hulabaloo is silenced for a few quiet moments of worship and awe, but we still party over the amazing Gift God has given us. I am just now realizing how much I love this because I dearly miss my church back home and can't wait to return over break(s)!
But, for now, I’m stuck in SoCal, listening to the Beach Boys’ Little St. Nick while pondering the sight of snowy Christmas decorations beside tropical palm trees. Seriously, that’s something I’m not used to witnessing and I’m thinking it won’t be something that grows on me either. If I am stubborn about anything it’s the sanctity of a white Christmas.
"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." Charles Dickens
As they say in the UK, Happy Christmas, everyone!
