The Christmas holiday is my favourite time of year. Often many people complain about the white blanket of snow that falls within the night or how the roads are extremely icy. Personally, I love the snow and the way the trees are painted with frost. The month of December always seems to knit family and friends tightly together as holiday traditions are suddenly unwrapped for the season. Gift exchanges and the clink of marshmallow topped mugs bring warmth to rosy cheeks and frozen toes. There are countless treasures to the Christmas season that allow us to create valuable memories, but what is a great Christmas without good humour?
We all have that one neighbour who not only announces they love the holidays, but actually displays the entire collection of inflatable lawn ornaments in their yard. Nowadays, there is a large assortment of inflatable decorations for a person’s lawn. No longer am I the slightest bit surprised while driving around the neighbourhood to see a blow-up, mobile Frosty tipping its hat and singing. Not to mention the excessive spread of flashy lights people throw on their roof or front yard. Some people take the Griswolds’ “Christmas Vacation” all too seriously! All in all, nothing says “I love Christmas” more than an eight foot Garfield entangled in Christmas lights.
If the decoration overload wasn’t enough, try a tacky Christmas sweater! It’s that time of year again where ugly sweaters are socially acceptable to wear in public. Secretly, we all enjoy the comfort of chunky knits, that is, if they don’t leave your skin with an irritating sensation. Although, there is nothing a long sleeve turtleneck can’t fix! Apart from that, don’t be afraid to pull that sweater out from the back of your closet. Give it a stylish twist using sewn on bells and pompoms. To finalize your appearance, match with your grandma.
During the Christmas holidays, some families have the tradition of sending a “Christmas letter” to every single relative in their family tree. If you do not take part in this tradition, dismiss the idea of a brief summary because these letters are nothing short of a full page. Usually the letter consists of an extended year’s worth of family events ranging from vacations, job promotions, the kid’s activities, and how Susie’s sore throat is getting better. To ensure every detail has been read thoroughly, buckle down with a hot beverage while listening to “Jingle Bells” for the 100th time. Chances are there will be a family Christmas photo attached in the envelope that will soon be hung on the fridge. From experience, there is nothing more awkward than the classic “hand on shoulder” fireplace shot or the tallest to shortest profile snap wearing matching plaid onesies. After all, receiving a cheesy Christmas card once a year is one of the many joys that the holiday season brings.
To top it off, Christmas dinner is the holy grail of all suppers. This is the meal you have been savouring all year and more specifically, smelling all day. This particular dinner not only declines the message to your brain stating you were full two hours ago, but leaves you feeling happy you wore stretchy pants. Due to the limitless amount of food prepared, this meal will make its way into every plastic container in the cupboard. Aside from the common turkey roast, there are always “questionable foods” that are brought to the table. A favourite of mine is the jelly salad. Although it has never been packed onto my plate, I enjoy watching the reactions of those who riskily dish it up. All in all, there has yet to be a Christmas family dinner without a few “questionable foods” set on the table.
Regardless of the many traditions or odd events that occur during the winter season, we all can admit they bring families together creating an ultimate jolly time of year. From figgy pudding to inflatable Santas, there isn’t a detail that goes unnoticed. Take pride in your decorated ugly sweater and do not hesitate to display the entire light show for all the neighbors to see. These are the little things that wrap the Christmas season into a joyous gift for all.
By Tessa R. Adamski
Life in Colour 
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