My favorite Christmas traditions
It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
I love Christmas. I love waiting for it. I love the smiles on people’s faces because smiling is my favorite. I love the palpable joy that isn’t felt year-round.
I worked retail from ages 16-40. In that time there were only half a dozen years that I missed a holiday season. Some years I worked two retail jobs so I got double the fun. Even now I think of those times fondly. The only thing I didn’t like about retail at the holidays is there should be a rule Christmas decor does NOT go out until after Halloween!
At this point, we are either fast friends or you are a little suspect of me because I am one of those people. After you read my favorite traditions you will know for sure how you feel. Hell, the first tradition will either win you over or have you shaking your head.
Christmas music radio station the day after Thanksgiving - Yes, I am one of these people. When I move to a new city I find out what radio station switches to Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving. I put my phone away in the car and I listen to Christmas music anytime I am in the car. This was true when I was working retail, listening to it all day at work, and commuting an hour each way to work. I love Christmas music!
Gingerbread house decorating - Not the box kind from the grocery store. Homemade, messy gingerbread house decorating. The more people around the table covered in icing the better. My mom found a recipe in 1970’s, a microwave recipe that she made in the oven ‘cause who microwaves gingerbread? We have been building and decorating houses ever since. They were given as gifts for friends, our teachers, and neighbors. As we got older she started hosting gingerbread house decorating parties. I can’t wait to do this with my daughter.
Baking hundreds of cookies friends and neighbors - When I say hundreds I mean that literally. My biggest year of baking was 2012. I made over 700 cookies. Packaged and delivered or mailed them across the country.
Hanging outdoor Christmas lights - I can’t say I actually love the light hanging part. untwisting strands I didn’t put aways correctly last year. Standing in the chilly November air unable to feel my fingers because I can’t wear gloves. None of that lights me up (hehe). What does excite me is when it gets dark way too early and the lights come on looking festive and happy. Sitting and watching the lights in the quiet calm of the night is heaven.
Sitting in the dark looking at the tree - Maybe this isn’t a tradition as much as just something I love! Sitting in a cozy chair by the fire, watching the tree, seeing the outside lights does wonder for my soul. It is my moment to sit and remember that I have it good. That doing the hard work to have this life is so worth it.
Even if you are a scrooge you probably have a favorite part! Come over to Instagram @pinwheelcottage and tell me your favorite part of the holidays!
