Things I Love About Christmas

The chill of the morning frost prickled at my nose when I ventured out into the dim light of evening. It was at dusk, when the sun had only slightly touched the horizon, leaving behind a royal shade of pink and purple. The first snow was falling skillfully with the gentle movements: the new layer covered the already snow-covered surface. I wrapped my scarf around my neck and smiled; nothing in the world could compare with the excitement that Christmas gave me.

The Magic of Christmas Lights

In our small rural community, preparing for December means turning into a sparkling winter wonderland. When I was young, I wanted to live in a fairy-tale and it feels like that when I enter the building. If only I was able to capture the sight of the Main Street where the lampposts had been dressed in fairy garland and their lights shinning bright like stars. The shop windows themselves with each one trying to be superior to the other were all adorned with ostentatious Christmas themes. In one particular window, passing shoppers were met with a fairy-tale like scene of a Santa’s workshop with lively elves moving around preparing for the gifts.

"Look at that, Mom!" A little girl said, ‘Look, look!’ and pointed at the obi. She looked amazed as she opened her eyes wide, and breathing heavily with rosy cheeks.

I could not help but laugh out loud because of the manner in which she was responding to me. As for me, Christmas lights have always been a love of my heart. I must say, I have always found something magical in the simple beams of these divine sources of light – they simply transform everything. It is as though the light tells secrets of happiness and miracles, making the impossible to happen.

The Scent of Christmas

During my walk, I could smell cookies from various households combined with the smell of fresh pine from the Christmas trees sold nearby. After counting to thirty, I smelled my way to Mrs. Carter’s bakery, the town’s favorite spot for holiday sweets. The glass case was full of different types of cookies, cakes and pies which looked delicious and mouth-watering.

“One gingerbread man, please,” I told the smiling lady who was taking the order. She smiled at me and gave me the cookie, its icing was detailed in an artistic fashion.

When the gingerbread was taken into the mouth and chewed, the spices coated the tongue, and a comfort that had no relation to the cold enveloped the heart. The violent taste of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves reminded me of my time when I baked with my grandmother; her house was always full of joy, noise, and the preparation for the Christmas holidays.

The Joy of Giving

With my gingerbread man in hand, I walked to the town center where a giant Christmas tree was planted in the middle. Some children were running around its base and their joyous giggles filled the surrounding area. Beside me, a group of volunteers were preparing a donation box for the toys that would be collected during the annual toy collection campaign.

"Hey there! In a playful tone – can you please spare a toy for a needy kid? Through the friendly call of a volunteer,

I looked into his eyes, smiled and then I took out a neatly packed small gift from my bag. ‘Thanks’, he said and took a copy from my hand. "Merry Christmas."

Charity has always been one of my favorite aspects of the Christmas holiday. This is usually the most satisfying feeling that a person can get in life knowing that one’s actions have made someone else happy. Thus, the inspiring message comes to him: Christmas is not only about getting gifts, but giving love to others and filling their lives with happiness.

The Sound of Christmas Carols

When I reached the tree, I could already hear the sweet singing of people who were caroling. The two sang in harmony, with their choice of songs being traditional Christmas songs that have been around for centuries. I stopped for a few moments and let the music envelop me like a warm blanket. It is merry to listen to the Christmas carols, how they frame your mind, recalling the past but at the same time bringing out unity and harmony.

"Silent night, holy night..." They sang, and I hummed along, my voice just loud enough to add to the chorus.

The people who were listening to the carolers cheered and clapped their hands as other people joined in singing. It’s the moments like these that signify the true meaning of Christmas – people coming together to build something that was truly valuable.

The Comfort of Traditions

The Christmas spell is also considered as the period for family traditions, which are beloved as well as meaningful traditions. One of the traditions that have always fascinated me is the turn of putting up the Christmas tree. Every ornament was an episode, a recall of events in past years. When I joined a glass angel, thin and fragile like a spider web, to a branch, I recalled my childhood and my mother who gave me this trinket. Her words echoed in my mind: “This angel will protect you during the Christmas period.”

What new tradition did we incorporate this year? My friend suggested making an advent calendar where each day would have a small act of kindness completed. Every day before Christmas Eve, we would do a small act that would help people—an act that would remind everyone that Christmas is all about being good to others and making the world a better place.

The Magic of Snow

After the carolers’ song, the sky grew a bit dark and the snow started falling gently, enhancing the beauty of the night. I glanced up and was fascinated by the snow that was falling softly as well as splendidly. Snow is one of the most fascinating marvels that takes place during winter, turning the environment into a fairy-tale scenery. It may mask the noise, and what comes out of it is very quiet and somewhat close to stillness.

Warm children’s laughter filled the air while playing snowmen and snowball fights in the square. I also could not let myself remain as a mere spectator, I took a snow ball and threw it while the coldness of snow filled my fingertips. In addition, there is always an innocent and pure aspect that snow has, making us remember that sometimes, it is okay to be happy because of a simple thing.

Many residents of long-term care amenities suffer from loneliness and lack of social sustenance, and thus the perception of warmth from family and friends can be heartening.

Last but not the least, the spirit of Christmas cannot be complete without the company of family and buddies. As the evening came to an end, I followed my normal routine by heading to my parents’ residence. See the windows lit up with several candles; the faint sound of laughter and conversations filled the air as I pushed the door open.

"You're just in time!" mom shouted from the kitchen , wearing an apron which was speckled with flour . "Dinner's almost ready."

I was warmly welcomed with hugs and smiles as I entered the little living room covered with rugs. Luminous lights and baubles adorned the Christmas tree while the smell of roasted turkey and fresh bread wafted around the house. My father was preparing the table to be served by placing the various meals and dishes in the correct order and place.

We sat around the table, linked by the hand as we bowed our heads to say grace. The musical glasses and the sound of cheerful people’s voices covered the room and everyone created new stories. With its message of people being together and sharing a close-knit family like atmosphere, Christmas has a giving spirit of togetherness.

Rather, people should embrace the true spirit of Christmas, which is about unity and love and find ways to apply this to their daily lives.

Reflecting about it, what makes Christmas really enjoyable is not just the shinning lights, the smell of pine, or the practices that come with it. It is not a reindeer or a snowman or even a sleigh ride, but it is the time spent with loved ones, warm memories, and good deeds that make it special. Christmas is the time where one can relax and contemplate about how beautiful the world is and share good energy with the people around.

So this year, and indeed for the remainder of the festive season, I appeal to all to take a pause and fully engage in the beauty and miracles of Christmas. Light a candle, listen to a carol, give a gift from the heart. Accept those traditions which are enjoyable and encourage yourself to come up with some new traditions which you want at any kind of festival. And finally, let us not forget that the beauty of Christmas is all about giving and making people around us happy.

That night I sat by the fireplace, Christmas tree lights flickering around me, and I was so grateful and so, so at peace. The cold, snowy world outside was still, but in my core, I felt warmth. This time Christmas once again proved that it can bring the most joyous feelings and make people recall the important things in life.