It’s that time of year again, you know, the MOST WONDERFUL TIME! It’s time to say Hello December, because it basically means everything smells like cinnamon and it’s ok to have two slices of pie and 3 servings of Turkey smothered in cranberry sauce (Did i just tell on my self?). But seriously, December means Christmas everything and I love the holidays so much although I am a summer baby. So, I wanted to share with you all the things I look forward to in the month of December.
Christmas Tree Shopping
Every year growing up my dad made sure we had a tree- even if it meant going into the bushes to get it. My favorite part was when he brought the tree home and we had to help him make sure it was sturdy. I got poked many times in my eyes from the pine tree needles but I didn’t care, I was ready for a Christmas Tree! One year, the trees were too expensive that were being sold (you know, the ones from Canada) and the native trees were super skinny. So Dad had to cut down two trees and nail them together to get a nice fluffy tree. I always thought that was the coolest thing. The decorations we have are practically as old as I am and let me tell you, I always knew when something was missing. I know exactly how many strings of Christmas lights are supposed to be on there as well as all the cute misfit and mismatched decorations. Christmas Tress shopping was always the thing to signify that it was Christmas.
Attending Christmas Plays
Growing up in the Anglican (Episcopal) church, we had plays every year. I always looked forward to going to practice and learning my “recitation” for the play. Each child had to memorize a verse from the Bible that had to do with Christmas and the birth of Jesus. I remember studying so hard as to not be embarrassed and making mistakes in front of the whole congregation. One year, I remember I was chosen to be the Angel Gabriel and boy was I excited! However, growing up on the island we did not have craft stores, so I was sad that I could not get any real wings. I had to ask my dad to figure out how to make my wings and he cut out cardboard in the shapes of wings, tied some wire around them to fit my waist and added a ton of foiled paper so that my wings looks shiny. I wrapped an old sheet around me and I was totally Gabriel the messenger angel!
Watching Christmas Specials
Christmas is the only time where it’s acceptable for networks to play super old classic films all week. Every year the exact same Christmas shows come on and let me tell you, I love it. I don’t care how many times I get to see “Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown” or “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” it’s all so nostalgic to me and I can never get enough of them. I get cozy on the couch and can repeat all the lines word for word and it never gets old.
Family Gathering
I embrace the family disfunction during December. I love the gatherings and getting to re-know everyone. The drama is serious but the food is always epic. There is a stuffing that my mom makes with crawfish (spiny lobster) and it’s so glorious! We do the usual ham and turkey, but the best is when we get to house hop to other people’s homes and have Christmas Dinner. It would always be the cousin of a friend’s niece or something weird like that, but I always end up not knowing the house I’m in but the food is amazing and everyone is always welcoming.
