Happy Holidays, Ho Ho Ho, and Merry Christmas! Whichever greeting you prefer, we can all agree that Christmas is one of the best holidays of the year. Some may say that Valentine's Day or Thanksgiving is better, but they do not even start to compare to the magic and joy Christmas brings. To prove this, here are some reasons why Christmas triumphs over all:
1. Kindness/Giving
Whether or not you notice it, people tend to be way kinder during December. Why? Christmas is all about giving and selflessness. From Bible verses to Christmas songs, each one has a story about how people give up everything and anything they can to make others happy. Unless you've lived under a rock the past 100 years, everyone knows that you should always give and be kind but there's just a special spirit during Christmas that makes anyone want to open their hearts; I mean just look at The Grinch and Scrooge.
2. Christmas Activities
When December rolls around there are so many fun activities to take a part in. Parades, ice skating, lighting the tree, zoo lights, sledding, snowmen, and snowball fights; the list goes on and on. Not only are almost all of them family friendly too, they're all almost local, too (sorry, sunny states). Never ever will you find yourself bored during December, which is especially awesome during the break when you just want to get out of the house.
3. People Come Together
Sometimes we can't always be with our families, but, if we can, it's usually around Christmas time. So, if you miss your mom or can't wait to see your sister, chances are you're going to be able to be with them during the holiday season. When you can't be with whoever you want to be with, you always have others who will offer for you to spend Christmas with them because no one should spend Christmas alone.
4. Santa Claus (DUH)
We all know the story of' Ol' St. Nick, and even if we never believed it, it's so much fun to play along. Whether it's with your kids, siblings, friends, etc., the whole idea of Santa is exciting. The north pole, the deer, the songs, and Christmas Eve are all amusing and never get old. Just wait till you see a little kid, or Will Ferrell's Elf, Buddy, meet Santa for the first time, your heart will burst from pure cuteness.
5. 25 Days Of Christmas
If you've never watched Freeform's (formerly ABC Family) 25 Days Of Christmas, you are truly missing out. This year they have so many new additions and old classics to add, and you better believe I already scheduled to record all 25. Seriously, take some time this December to lay back with hot cocoa and watch a good old Christmas movie. Nothing beats that. (P.S. Below is this year's schedule, you're welcome.)
6. The Goodies
What's Christmas without the homemade cookies, gingerbread houses, baked pies, and many other treats? You better get your sweet tooth on and prepare your mouth for the best goodies you will ever taste. Of course there's the food on Christmas Eve AND Christmas Day (sometimes it's better than Thanksgiving Dinner).
7. Presents!!! Giving AND Receiving
C'mon, who doesn't love getting a present (especially) from someone you love? Whether it be fuzzy socks or a Target Gift card, any gift is appreciated. There is no better feeling than getting or making a gift from someone you love and watching the happiness that gift brings them. Of course Christmas isn't about presents and should never center around it but it's definitely just an extra plus.
8. Snow... maybe?
If you live in a Sunny State you are cursed with no beautiful soft white layers... or maybe blessed depending on the type of snow because let's face it, there's some really icky snow out there and no one like. But leading up to Christmas and especially on Christmas Day there's nothing like some snow falling to tie the bow on our Holiday Season.
9. Appreciation
Sadly not everyone is blessed enough to celebrate Christmas or even know what it is. When Christmas season rolls around we are reminded of how lucky we are to have all that we do and that we have the chance to celebrate Christmas in all it's forms. It helps us see that since we have so much we can give to others who are not as fortunate. That may be the best lesson taught all year long: be eternally grateful for all you have and the life you live.
10. "Christmas Miracles"
Maybe it's just a universal thing or maybe it's just in our heads, but Christmas time seems to be a time where the unthinkable/unimaginable happens. We've all heard stories: families being brought together or a life being saved. No matter how big or small it seems that Christmas has a special gift of blessing people with "miracles". Like I said, maybe it isn't even true but that doesn't mean the power Christmas can have an impact on so many lives.
Besides these reasons and so many more Christmas is one of (if not) the BEST holiday. Don't get me wrong Halloween candy and Thanksgiving turkey rock, but nothing beats hot chocolate and cookies on a snowy night while watching 25 Days Of Christmas.