Typically, this time of year finds me eagerly anticipating the moment I can indulge in cozy holiday movies and the predictable charm of festive romances. I usually wait (not-so) patiently for Thanksgiving to pass before diving headfirst into my Christmas preparations. But this year is different.
This year, I didn’t even wait for Thanksgiving to arrive before transforming my home with garlands and spicy cinnamon decorations. In fact, I decided that the day after Halloween was the perfect opportunity to get my decorations up and fill my space with holiday cheer, cranking up festive tunes on repeat.
2020 has turned out to be a chaotic mess, and it started with such promise. We entered the year filled with aspirations, convinced it would be our best yet — and now it feels like we’re just trying to survive each day within the same four walls, grappling with the turmoil surrounding us.
Despite the challenges of this year, Christmas has always held a special place in my heart, and it always will. Initially, I felt overwhelmed thinking about the holiday season. Many of my cherished traditions, like cookie swaps with family and festive dinners with friends, are off the table. However, I soon realized that I could either let this year’s chaos steal my joy or embrace the season with all my might, hoping to finish 2020 on a more uplifting note.
I yearn to experience the same excitement for Christmas that I did as a child because, frankly, it’s one of the few things to look forward to right now. We must cling to the moments, people, and joys that uplift us — they are, after all, the only things that will help us push through.
Plus, we have the perfect excuse to cozy up in our pajamas, binge-watch holiday movies, and bake to our hearts’ content with our kids. If decking out every room in my house brightens my spirits, then why not go all out? Given that we’re spending more time at home than ever, it makes sense to fill our spaces with festive cheer.
If you’ve let the tradition of sending Christmas cards slip away due to busyness, why not reignite it this year? Personally, I take no shame in having worn my holiday pajamas since Halloween, and I’m determined to tackle every cookie recipe I’ve pinned — which might be around 45 different kinds, but who’s counting? I have a freezer and I’m ready to put it to good use.
I crave something joyful and vibrant in my life right now. Christmas has always been that source of happiness for me, even if I typically waited until mid-November to start preparing. Not this year. Everything went up early — the wreath, the lights, the candles — because, quite frankly, this brings me immense joy.
The aroma of cookies baking in the oven instantly relaxes me, taking me back to the simpler days of my childhood. I love waking up before everyone else and flipping on the Christmas tree lights, making it the first sight my kids see when they come downstairs. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about having wrapped gifts under the tree and stockings hung in anticipation.
Even if I can’t sit down and watch every holiday movie, just hearing them in the background while I go about my day brings me comfort. I simply didn’t want to wait any longer to enjoy these delights; I wanted them now.
Of course, I recognize that the holidays can be difficult for many, and they don’t magically lift everyone’s spirits. But for me, they provide a much-needed escape, and I’m counting on them to help me close out 2020 on a brighter note. If that means embracing the holiday spirit a bit early, then so be it; we all deserve some long-awaited joy.
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Summary:
In the midst of a challenging year, embracing the holiday spirit early has become a source of joy and comfort for many, including myself. By decorating, baking, and engaging in festive traditions, I am determined to find happiness and positivity as we approach the end of 2020.