I normally get excited for Christmas around August. I don’t know what it is about summer wrapping up and school starting that makes skip straight to Christmas. Now some people may think that there is such a thing as it being “too early” for Christmas, but I DISAGREE! 

If AIWFCIY (better known as “All I Want For Christmas Is You”) by Mariah Carey starts playing mid July, I will NOT skip. What I will do is sing at the top of my lungs, even if my voice cracks worse than hers did in the annual Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony in 2014.

To me Christmas is amazing. From Christmas shopping to opening presents and drinking hot chocolate, the holiday has a certain amount of nostalgia. Growing up my mother made me wear the most ridiculous Christmas dresses (you know the ones with the black top and Christmas patterned skirt), and although I didn’t enjoy wearing them at the time, I now realize it was a mini-tradition we had.

Also, CHRISTMAS SONGS, who doesn’t love Christmas songs? Mariah Carey? GREAT Michael Bublé? EVEN BETTER. I love a good Christmas song, I even change my alarm to a Christmas song around the holidays. Local radio stations start playing Christmas songs and so do stores, so if you see me jamming out to “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” in the Christmas section at Target… don’t judge. 

Now, my absolute favorite part of Christmas (besides spending time with family and friends) are the decorations! There are many arguments regarding how early is too early for decorating. I think right after Halloween is just right for decorating for Christmas. We all know that one neighborhood or handful of houses that go crazy with decorations, whether it’s a light show, inflatables, or even mini Christmas trees in their yard, driving through decorated neighborhoods will always be one of my favorite things to do around the holidays. Not only do I love outdoor Christmas decorations, but indoor decorations too! When I was younger, my family would have a whole day dedicated to setting up our decorations. My favorite part has always been setting up my mini Christmas tree in my room, it definitely brings me holiday cheer as I cry while studying for exams and finishing up the semester.

Spending time with the people you care about is my main reason for loving Christmas. Seeing everyone come together and having grins from ear to ear on Christmas morning makes me smile. This year because of COVID, Christmas is looking a little different, so instead of getting together with family and friends I’m giving back to the community. A couple of weeks ago my best friend and I rang the bell in front of Hobby Lobby for The Salvation Army. It felt great seeing people donate, even if it was spare change, it can make a huge difference. 

As the holidays approach, I get nostalgic of how life was pre-pandemic. At first it saddened me that this year I won’t be able to continue traditions my family has had since I was little. Instead of being upset about it I decided to make them COVID-friendly, to flatten the curve. So as we approach the holidays, keep in mind not only your health but the health of people around you. Wear a mask and remain about two reindeer (6 feet) away from others when possible.