What makes you love Christmas so much?

[wstaple]

Think about it - most people aren't like those of us on this board. Christmas, for most people, is something celebrated from the Friday after Thanksgiving or the first part of December until the 25th. But we do things like listen to Christmas music in July! Unheard of, right? Maybe to some, but not for us.

From the time I was a little boy, I've loved Christmas - everything about it. I remember the excitement, the anticipation of Christmas morning as a child. And even though I'm older now, I still feel it at 50. In fact, every year it seems to get a little stronger.

I guess my love for Christmas comes from my parents and my grandmother. They always made Christmas fun. There were always surprises. I've tried to do that with my wife and daughters as an adult. There is always a surprise gift for each one of them every year. It may not be much, but there's always something. And the older I get, the more "unsuspecting" things I try to do around Christmas. Things like baking and cooking, which I've never done much of until the past few years. Every year there's some new kind of decoration around the house. And trust me, I'm no interior decorator! But when it comes to Christmas, I try my best.

And even though they think I try to hurry the season every year (I'd have the trees up as soon as the last trick-or-treater is leaving our front porch if it was up to me), I try to make sure they know that the reason I do what I do is not just for me - it's for them. I hope my daughters pass this on to our grandchildren one day. But if for whatever reason they don't, they'll always know where to come find it!

What about you? What makes you love Christmas like you do?

[ornamentmaven]

Beautifully said wstaple! The best part of Christmas, to me, is the spirit of peace and joy we give to each other. I fully immerse myself in just about every aspect and tradition associated with Christmas. I love decorating, baking, wrapping gifts, hanging lights, hosting a big Christmas Eve buffet (the tradition Italian seafood buffet), listening to Christmas music, watching all those great holiday movies, exchanging cards (I'm making mine right now), shopping for just the right gifts, and so on.

I love collecting my Madame Alexander doll ornaments every year for the past 19 years! Ornaments are my thing (hence the name ornamentmaven) I have 3 trees - one big, one medium and one small. The main tree in the living room is overloaded with ornaments of every kind - no special theme- just years of memories. Ornaments belonging to our parents from the 1950's, ornaments collected from childhood and from 35 years of marriage, as well as ornaments given to our children. My medium tree is white with a pastel/purple theme. The ornaments on this tree are from Hallmark's three different Madame Alexander doll series. My small tree is also white and decorated with "Rudolph" ornaments and small stuffed toys.

I make about 8 to 10 different types of cookies each year, plus my traditional fruitcake. I have cookies that I bake each year - like my pignoli cookies, but also like to try new things!

I always decorate outside and always send Christmas cards, even though many people have stopped the card tradition.

I own about 30 Christmas movies on DVD. I just started watching those and will watch some 3 or 4 times between now and New Years

There is nothing better than autumn and the run up to Christmas!

[steph535]

Great thread and post, wstaple. I get my love of Christmas from my mother, who, bent over backwards to make Christmas special, at least the actual day. Music was a big deal in our family and you can't get better than Christmas music, so just the music, alone, is a major reason why I love Christmas. My parents didn't care for the crooners and classics that most people prefer. We listened to the Robert Shaw Chorale, the Roger Wagner Chorale, Alfred Deller and the Deller Consort, A Music Box Christmas, among others. I loved them so much, I memorized every song and all the verses. I have a copy of each of them and at least thirty more, and still no crooners, haha. Anyway, when I was very young, my mother would wait until we children were in bed and she'd put up the tree on Christmas Eve, (always a real double balsam), decorate it, decorate the livingroom, wrap all the gifts and put them under the tree so it would be like magic, as if Santa had come and done it all, when we woke up on Christmas morning. After I got a little older, she'd put the tree up ten days before Christmas and forbade any Christmas music before then because I drove everyone crazy singing Christmas songs in September and begging her constantly to start playing Christmas records. (Somehow, I get the feeling that Mom wasn't quite as much a lover of Christmas as I was, lol.)

[noelglori]

Christmas has always been special because of the reason for Christmas, the candle light services at church, the plays at church, the fellowship. Also, my parents made it so very special. Certain things started to appear at Christmas time, different candies, decorations, bags of gifts hidden away etc. Our home was filled with love and peace and opened to friends and relatives who always arrived to share Christmas with us.

So therefore, my husband and I made sure our home was filled with love and peace and our kids would always have good memories of Christmas for it's the memories that fill our spirit with love and joy. And now our kids are doing the same for their children. Yes, the Christmas spirit gets passed down, so make sure you spread joy and cheer no matter what the circumstances try to predict.

[Mistletoe]

I used to think I was just mercenery and loved Christmas for the toys I got. But, as I've gotten older, I realize that I felt a great deal of love for Santa. He had a kind of unconditional love for us and gave without ever asking anything in return (except that we be good). I had started to get gifts for him, because I wanted him to know how much I appreciated and loved him. I didn't want to just take. So, I think that's why I love Christmas so much, because I equate it with a great feeling of love.

I also love how we went to church on Christmas Eve and everyone there was in their Christmas finery and excited. I liked how we were celebrating there together and then breaking off into groups to celebrate each with their own family- separate, but together in spirit. I like that about holidays- thinking of everyone else celebrating, too. :home:

[E.S.]

I have to echo what everyone has said already: Great post wstaple. And it's great to read all of the responses.
For me, it's the extra time with my family, the music, the food... the spirit of the season. It really allows old, grumpy, responsible adults (like myself) to feel and act like a kid again.
It really is about the warmth of knowing that we'll get to see those people that we can't always see throughout the year, eating those food that we only eat at Christmas time, listening to that amazing once-a-year music. I mentioned in another post that on Christmas Eve, my family eats our traditional shrimp gumbo dinner. Well, I asked my wife about 15 years ago to only make this dish on Christmas Eve. At first she thought I was crazy (she might have a valid point in that) But now that we only eat it once a year, when Christmas Eve comes around, that's all we can think about, all day long. It's beyond special. I would say that it's transcendent, but that might be taking it a bit too far.
We remember fondly those traditions of our youth, and the people we have lost along the way. And we create new traditions, and new memories, with new family members.
I guess to sum it all up... spending time with my family, creating those new, special memories that sustain us throughout the rest of the year.

[Elf_Erv]

the connection to my childhood. Christmas at my grandparents with all the family around. Dean Martin Christmas records. My grandpa's conry Christmas decorations. The wonderful food. Many of the people are gone no but I will never forget the memories.

[Merry Christmas Darling]

Great thread and post, wstaple. I get my love of Christmas from my mother, who, bent over backwards to make Christmas special, at least the actual day. Music was a big deal in our family and you can't get better than Christmas music, so just the music, alone, is a major reason why I love Christmas. My parents didn't care for the crooners and classics that most people prefer. We listened to the Robert Shaw Chorale, the Roger Wagner Chorale, Alfred Deller and the Deller Consort, A Music Box Christmas, among others. I loved them so much, I memorized every song and all the verses. I have a copy of each of them and at least thirty more, and still no crooners, haha. Anyway, when I was very young, my mother would wait until we children were in bed and she'd put up the tree on Christmas Eve, (always a real double balsam), decorate it, decorate the livingroom, wrap all the gifts and put them under the tree so it would be like magic, as if Santa had come and done it all, when we woke up on Christmas morning. After I got a little older, she'd put the tree up ten days before Christmas and forbade any Christmas music before then because I drove everyone crazy singing Christmas songs in September and begging her constantly to start playing Christmas records. (Somehow, I get the feeling that Mom wasn't quite as much a lover of Christmas as I was, lol.)

My late husband and I played Christmas records in the summer when we were dating! :snowman:

[Merry Christmas Darling]

My mother taught me to love Christmas decorations and homemade pie.

When I was old enough to think about it I began to love Christmas because of Jesus.

http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/yy27/DiademRose/Christmas%202014/ec146bdc-852b-4af9-a48a-5c293a0d224a_zpsdb1b3d68.jpg (http://s774.photobucket.com/user/DiademRose/media/Christmas%202014/ec146bdc-852b-4af9-a48a-5c293a0d224a_zpsdb1b3d68.jpg.html)Christopher Radko Ornament I bought in 2013

[MinnesotaMike]

It goes without saying that we give special thanks at Christmas for Jesus. However, I can sum up my answer in one word: Nostalgia. Christmas is the time of year when I so fondly recall years gone by and all the people who shared them with me.

My wife and I share a love of the Christmas season, and all it brings. We've created and carried on SO many traditions for our boys. While I can't "make" them grow up to be Christmas fanatics, I can certainly provide them with a host of wonderful, warm family memories to carry with them through their lives. One thing is certain: Every year at Christmas time, after I'm gone, my boys will always remember how much the holidays meant to their old man, and hopefully they will feel love in their heart, and know that I am still with them as they spend that time with all of our shared loved ones.

[Merry Christmas Darling]

It goes without saying that we give special thanks at Christmas for Jesus. However, I can sum up my answer in one word: Nostalgia. Christmas is the time of year when I so fondly recall years gone by and all the people who shared them with me.

My wife and I share a love of the Christmas season, and all it brings. We've created and carried on SO many traditions for our boys. While I can't "make" them grow up to be Christmas fanatics, I can certainly provide them with a host of wonderful, warm family memories to carry with them through their lives. One thing is certain: Every year at Christmas time, after I'm gone, my boys will always remember how much the holidays meant to their old man, and hopefully they will feel love in their heart, and know that I am still with them as they spend that time with all of our shared loved ones.

Memories have a lot to do with the enjoyment of Christmas. My one brother who isn't especially fond of Christmas (never had any children) went to live with our father when he was thirteen. He missed all the great Christmases we had after that --- they only began when I was seventeen and there were no more stepfathers. I take that back; 1962 was between stepfathers and it was good. You can tell I have some good memories (had to buy vintage Shiny Brites, etc.).

[wstaple]

It goes without saying that we give special thanks at Christmas for Jesus. However, I can sum up my answer in one word: Nostalgia. Christmas is the time of year when I so fondly recall years gone by and all the people who shared them with me.

My wife and I share a love of the Christmas season, and all it brings. We've created and carried on SO many traditions for our boys. While I can't "make" them grow up to be Christmas fanatics, I can certainly provide them with a host of wonderful, warm family memories to carry with them through their lives. One thing is certain: Every year at Christmas time, after I'm gone, my boys will always remember how much the holidays meant to their old man, and hopefully they will feel love in their heart, and know that I am still with them as they spend that time with all of our shared loved ones.

Beautiful post, Mike. Nostalgia is the perfect word.

You know, after I've read and re-read my original post, I see that I've made an unintentional glaring omission. None of this is possible without that original gift - God's gift of His son to the world.

[kerrykelin]

It is a week until Christmas. Christmas is a time of sharing and giving. Here are a list of things that I love about the Christmas:
1. Pretty decorations and lights
2. Buying gifts for loved ones
3. Family get together
4. Bake a favourite Christmas treat.

[serene]

I love Christmas first of all is because of the love that reminds us about Jesus. Second is the chance that we can spend more time together with our dear family and friends and third is that we can do more shopping during the season compared to other times of the year. Christmas is really an exciting time for all!

[Santa57]

I've been thinking about this for the longest time, and I think the only answer I can give is that I love Christmass because it is an expression of love in its purest form. It may be expressed through shopping or cooking or a million other things, but to me it boils down to love. To borrow an overused phrase, it's something the world needs more of. There's a magic to it, for me, which transcends anything material. I'm not sure all this makes any sense, but it's the closest I can come to expressing it. :)

[Elvira1986]

I love Christmas because it is home at its best. I'm very active and always off to somewhere or something (and I enjoy it) and at Christmas all that kind of falls away. I love the real attention we have for eachother and how little distraction there is.

And besides that...my husband and I are just a coupe of kids who enjoy shiney lights and sparkly things.

[Eric Brown]

I love Christmas because all family members have fun together, spend great time, religious connection..
Enjoy a great time with friends, beautiful lights, lovely decoration, lots of cakes and food.

[Mistletoe]

I love Christmas because it is home at its best. I'm very active and always off to somewhere or something (and I enjoy it) and at Christmas all that kind of falls away. I love the real attention we have for eachother and how little distraction there is.

And besides that...my husband and I are just a coupe of kids who enjoy shiney lights and sparkly things.


Nicely said. And I don't think you were married the last time I saw you on here...? So, congratulations! :elf3:

[Merry Christmas Darling]

I love Christmas because all family members have fun together, spend great time, religious connection..
Enjoy a great time with friends, beautiful lights, lovely decoration, lots of cakes and food.


Nice!


Here's a picture for you! http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/yy27/DiademRose/Christmas%202015/Sevi%20large%20wooden%20nativity%20set_zpsq6rjz3wh .jpg (http://s774.photobucket.com/user/DiademRose/media/Christmas%202015/Sevi%20large%20wooden%20nativity%20set_zpsq6rjz3wh .jpg.html)

[Merry Christmas Darling]

Think about it - most people aren't like those of us on this board. Christmas, for most people, is something celebrated from the Friday after Thanksgiving or the first part of December until the 25th. But we do things like listen to Christmas music in July! Unheard of, right? Maybe to some, but not for us.

Did I tell you that's more or less a tradition at my house? My late husband and I started dating in July (way back when) and we listened to Christmas music right from the start.

[JollyElfDC]

I've been thinking about this for the longest time, and I think the only answer I can give is that I love Christmass because it is an expression of love in its purest form. It may be expressed through shopping or cooking or a million other things, but to me it boils down to love. To borrow an overused phrase, it's something the world needs more of. There's a magic to it, for me, which transcends anything material. I'm not sure all this makes any sense, but it's the closest I can come to expressing it. :)
I think you've summed it up perfectly.:elf3: Christianity is all about love, and the way we celebrate reflects that.
I don't have any family in the area, and generally have other "orphans" over for an all out Christmas feast. A couple of years ago I had a friend (nicely) say I make too much food, and no one cares about the dessert fork. He was right, but I told him this is my way of showing how much I appreciate everyone. If you can't go overboard on Christmas, when can you?

[chocolatechip1979]

I love the feeling the Christmas spirit brings. Family/friends, baking and craft making. The warm cocoa and extra special hugs. Going out at night and looking at all the decorated houses and filling cards out with tons of holiday wishes. My family and I hold onto this feeling all year long. We bake Christmas cookies in June make our annual ornaments in April and May. Tons of holiday movies to watch in Sept./Oct.. and of course all the yard/rummage sales and bringing home little treasures. But most important it's a special kind of Love that you can feel and cherish all year long. :home:

[grottogirl84]

Hey everyone! 🤗:santa2:

I have to admit it has been a long time since I was last on here! My love for Christmas will never subside though! I've just been reading though a lot of your threads and messages, I can't believe how many of us there are who have this deep love and feel for Christmas time! :home: it's amazing and makes me happy to know there are people out there who share this love. I will hold my hands up and admit I have been listening to Xmas carols on/off for the past few weeks. Crazy as its still summer! It just brings me comfort and happiness. I get that warm glow in my stomach and I have even found an amazing video on you tube of various Xmas paintings with carols playing in the background. It's perfect! The pictures mostly consist of houses lit up and snow of the ground outside. People walking around outside playing in the snow or walking to the church. That instant feeling of I want to be in that picture and feel that warmth of being inside! A fireplace, tree all lit up, hot cocoa and mince pies, snuggled up on the sofa with loved ones, all cosy. While it's snowing and cold outside.. I will put the link up so u can all enjoy it too!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wZLqzxxxnDc

[Jude13]

Hello all, my first post ever. I have just read the Christmas Eve tradition thread from start to finish.

I am a Christmas nut, its good to meet some like minded folk. What I love about Christmas so much is catching up with friends and family. I emigrated about 9 years ago and have been home all but one Christmas. I love arriving in at the airport at home, walking out into arrivals to see all the Christmas sweaters and antlers.

[Elf_Erv]

wonderful memories from childhood

[Fluffysnow]

Dad used to work away from home when I was little but at christmas he would always have at least a week off around Christmas that was a week with my dad, he still works a lot now but not away from home but it's still time that I deffiniteley get to spend with him. I love being around my family in general but my dads time is special to me because he used to work away and only be home for weekends.
I like the food, my mum is an AMAZING cook and at Christmas she always does a buffet with all her best dishes and my parents me my OH my brother and his OH all get together for a game night and it's so much fun we don't do it any other time of year.
I like the lights and how pretty and cosy the house looks all decorated.

[Mistletoe]

I love the feeling the Christmas spirit brings. Family/friends, baking and craft making. The warm cocoa and extra special hugs. Going out at night and looking at all the decorated houses and filling cards out with tons of holiday wishes. My family and I hold onto this feeling all year long. We bake Christmas cookies in June make our annual ornaments in April and May. Tons of holiday movies to watch in Sept./Oct.. and of course all the yard/rummage sales and bringing home little treasures. But most important it's a special kind of Love that you can feel and cherish all year long. :home:


I like that. And you out in one of the hottest states...:elf3:

[Mistletoe]

Hey everyone! 珞:santa2:

I have to admit it has been a long time since I was last on here! My love for Christmas will never subside though! I've just been reading though a lot of your threads and messages, I can't believe how many of us there are who have this deep love and feel for Christmas time! :home: it's amazing and makes me happy to know there are people out there who share this love. I will hold my hands up and admit I have been listening to Xmas carols on/off for the past few weeks. Crazy as its still summer! It just brings me comfort and happiness. I get that warm glow in my stomach and I have even found an amazing video on you tube of various Xmas paintings with carols playing in the background. It's perfect! The pictures mostly consist of houses lit up and snow of the ground outside. People walking around outside playing in the snow or walking to the church. That instant feeling of I want to be in that picture and feel that warmth of being inside! A fireplace, tree all lit up, hot cocoa and mince pies, snuggled up on the sofa with loved ones, all cosy. While it's snowing and cold outside.. I will put the link up so u can all enjoy it too!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wZLqzxxxnDc


Ahhh...how nice.

[Mistletoe]

Hello all, my first post ever. I have just read the Christmas Eve tradition thread from start to finish.

I am a Christmas nut, its good to meet some like minded folk. What I love about Christmas so much is catching up with friends and family. I emigrated about 9 years ago and have been home all but one Christmas. I love arriving in at the airport at home, walking out into arrivals to see all the Christmas sweaters and antlers.


That sounds great. :santa: :reindeer2:

[chocolatechip1979]

I'm bumping with my original answer :)

I love the feeling the Christmas spirit brings. Family/friends, baking and craft making. The warm cocoa and extra special hugs. Going out at night and looking at all the decorated houses and filling cards out with tons of holiday wishes. My family and I hold onto this feeling all year long. We bake Christmas cookies in June make our annual ornaments in April and May. Tons of holiday movies to watch in Sept./Oct.. and of course all the yard/rummage sales and bringing home little treasures. But most important it's a special kind of Love that you can feel and cherish all year long.

[JollyElfDC]

Welcome Jude13!:santa1:

[Bishop1954]

Besides the birth of our savior, it is the one time of the year when people seem to go out of their way to be a little bit nicer, more generous and appear to even carry themselves differently. There are other days of the year when others act differently, but no other season where it touches so many lives. I love it!!!

[snowbell1]

That cozy feeling as you all gather together,it's the spirit,the love that's shared those moments that become your most treasured memories.

[Bishop1954]

I could do paragraphs on this subject. The real reason for the season nspires so much else in me and gives me all I need to do all the rest... at this time and through the year.