Growing up, I’ve always had this crazy obsession with Christmas. I was always that one annoying person that was too enthusiastic about the holidays in the middle of November. But I couldn’t help it. Getting into the Christmas spirit was too exciting for me.
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t in the Christmas spirit during the holidays. I always loved helping my parents put up the Christmas tree and sitting on Santa’s lap every Christmas Eve and telling him want I wanted for Christmas. I vividly remember when it was ‘cool’ not to believe in Santa anymore, but anytime anyone said anything, I always stuck my fingers in my ears and ran away, reassuring myself he was real. I kept telling myself this until my mom couldn’t give me an explanation as to why Santa didn’t burn to his death when he came down the chimney to the surprise of a burning fire.
Despite my mother’s soul crushing disclosure, Christmas still remains my favorite holiday. From helping my parents hang up the decorations around the house to blasting Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You on the way to school, I loved everything about celebrating Christmas. The festivities usually begin after Thanksgiving. My family gives in and puts up the Christmas tree, which results with my grandpa judging us for our lack of self control.
One of my family’s favorite traditions for the holidays includes frequent holiday movie marathons. My mom usually makes hot chocolate and bakes Christmas cookies, something that will never grow old. Some of our favorite movies include Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Elf and Home Alone. Spending time with my family and watching some of my favorite Christmas movies while enjoying my mom’s delicious holiday treats highlights as one of my favorite traditions during the holidays.
Besides spending time with family, I like to set some extra time to get together with my friends. We show up in the ugliest holiday sweaters, which makes me happier than it probably should. The amount of enjoyment I get from wearing ugly Christmas sweaters can be endless. We make our own Christmas ornaments, writing festive cards and building gingerbread houses while (very badly) singing along to Michael Buble’s Christmas album. We also do Secret Santa, which usually ends in all of us finding out everyone else’s Secret Santa before we even exchange gifts. The night ends with all of us packing into one car to drive around looking at all the holiday lights and decorations, something we look forward to every year.
All in all, I can’t contain the excitement for Christmas this year. From the unending Christmas movie marathons to tasty gingerbread houses I can’t get enough of, I can’t wait to share these traditions with my friends and family. Nothing can be better than spending time with loved ones and getting into the holiday spirit. I think my weird Christmas obsession stems from the time I get to spend with my friends and family and making new traditions and memories. Not only does Christmas give an excuse to wear the tackiest holiday sweaters and stuff your face with the most delicious Christmas cookies, it gives you the opportunity appreciate your family and be thankful for your friends.
