That Just Happened!

I think any kid would tell you that the best part of Christmas is December 25^th when Santa has visited and left all those goodies under the tree.  Or, if you are allowed to open presents on Christmas Eve (which I was not), it might be December 24^th.  That’s Christmas, after all. 

I fully believed that all the way through until high school, long after waiting for “Santa” ended.  That is, until one of my teachers was trying to prove a point in English class.  She said, “After all, the best part of Christmas isn’t Christmas morning!  It’s the days leading up to Christmas that are the good part.  It’s the anticipation of Christmas, not Christmas itself that is the best!”  I remember how we all laughed at her and shook our heads in disbelief.  Of course the best time was Christmas morning!

Over the years I have come to agree with her.  When you are opening up all your presents on Christmas morning, the end of Christmas is fast approaching.  Then come some family events and everyone is on to New Year’s.  I like the weeks leading up to Christmas; finding the perfect present, making plans to bake, buying some new decorations, wondering what Santa is going to bring you…

Each year I look at all the home magazines and the perfectly decorated Christmas trees and perfectly laid tables.  I drool over the exotic turkey recipes and the sugary cookie confections.  I look forward to making plans with family and friends and think about all the wonderful outfits I could wear.  The Christmas music and holiday shows are new and fresh; friends from years past.  By the time Christmas morning rolls around I realize I never did attempt those almond balls, my tree looks bare from the back, my apartment wasn’t transformed into a winter wonderland, and I look fat from the knees up in every picture.  I am sick of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Mariah Carey’s latest Christmas hit.  The thought of even having to go out for milk sends me into paroxysms of fear over traffic and parking and I am praying that the snow holds off until after our day of driving.  Presents need to be returned, hangovers need to be nursed, and the pressure to have the perfect New Year’s Eve is on to make up for the stress-filled holiday begins.  For many, there is also the thought that the next day means back to work for a few unproductive days before the 31^st. 

I love Christmas Eve the most.  When you are spending time with family, eating turkey, and wondering Santa is going to stop at your house.  You can indulge in the goodies and one last Christmas movie together until new video games and books take your attention.  Perhaps you go to church and everything is filled with Christmas hymns and candles.  Carollers are out in full force and all along the street houses are lit up with family all cozy inside.  Those traditions are the ones that I hold most dear and I wish would last just a little bit longer.  Unless Santa is bringing me those books that were on my Santa list.  In that case…see ya next year Christmas Eve, I’m moving right into Christmas morning!

That Just Happened!