1. The Christmas tree.
I know this is going to sound weird, but this is my first year away from home and our flat budget doesn't account for a Christmas tree - and I've missed it!
2. Presents!
Ok, so we all like it when we get something special. But to be honest, I seriously reckon giving is better than receiving! That look on their face when you give them something that they really like - it's priceless!
3. Christmas carols.
Yes I know they're pretty much the cheesiest thing about Christmas. AND they get overplayed to the days in shopping centres and on the radio. The thing is, I'm sure everyone has got a soft spot for at least ONE Christmas carol (mine are Good King Wenceslas and Joy To The World).
4. Christmas albums!
This one goes hand in hand with Christmas carols I guess. Personally though I like the ones that feature new songs as well as the old classics. My favourites are "Let It Snow Baby... Let It Reindeer" by Relient K (the first album of theirs I listened too!) and Seabird's "Over The Hills And Everywhere" - their versions of the carols are SOOOOO good!
5. Christmas shopping.
...
Actually there's not to much to like about that one. Apart from the feeling when it's done! That counts, right?
6. Christmas cake
Arggghhh just remembered I haven't had tea yet... so just thinking about cake is making me hungry!
7. Christmas decorations.
We used to have this hilarious one at our house. It was this elf with the funniest legs ever - they were thin and pointy and looked sort of like needles. And his face was creepy as. Every time it came out of the box we'd just laugh at it for ages because it was so ugly and funny.
Then one Christmas we discovered Mum had thrown it out. Worst. Christmas. Ever.
It still makes a good story, even though we've never been able to find a decoration quite like it.
8. That feeling you get on Christmas Eve where you can't sleep because you're so excited.
9. Wrapping presents.
Totally awesome. I need to get some wrapping paper and do this actually.
10. Upside Down Christmas.
Traditionally Christmas is described as being in a wintertime scene, with snow all around and people staying inside by a log fire. Or something like that.
Well here in New Zealand at the bottom of the world, we have things a little different. Yeap it's summer here! So it's more like a bbq, family-picnic-outside kind of deal down here.
Not that we do that because it's usually raining here. Gotta love this part of the country.
11. Catching up with the family.
Yeah it's cheesy I know, but Christmas time especially seems to be a time where the family comes together. And as weird as mine is, I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again.
12. Nana's pavlova.
This one is busted out at every single birthday party/ special occasion it can. And Christmas time is no excuse. It's actually one of the best things I've ever tasted. No joke! Still one of my favourite deserts. EVER.
13. Random traditions.
Ours is making the Christmas cake and punch together. Then having a HUGE feed on Christmas Day. Glorious. :D
14. Nativity scenes.
These are just awesome. One year we decided to make one ourselves and it actually turned out pretty well too.
15. Santa Claus.
... isn't real so he doesn't count. On to 16!
16. The sight of presents under the tree.
17. Christmas concerts.
One of which I was supposed to be playing at this weekend, but unfortunately couldn't make it due to work commitments. Pretty gutted, cos these are usually quite cool!
18. Christmas movies!!!
Ok, so after a while you get sick of having your tv screen filled up with these every couple of hours (one solution could be to turn your tv off haha). But even though a large percentage of them are cheesy and a bit little kid-ish, there's still a bit of a soft spot for them. After all, if you can't be a kid again at christmastime, then when can you?!
19. The Reason for the Season.
I love how Christmas is ALL about Jesus. When you strip away all these traditions and extra pointless little "decorations" on top of all it, Christmas is just a day where we celebrate the birth of the greatest man who ever lived. Where we remember just what God has done, and is doing for us. We remind ourselves of all the circumstances and amazing things which happened in and around his birth, and it is a joyful occasion where we can rejoice in our salvation. And you get at least one sermon from your local pastor about the REAL meaning of Christmas.
The Puritan government under Oliver Cromwell banned Christmas in England in the 1640s. Needless to say, it didn't go down well with the people. I'd like to think that it was more than just the festivities that were missed. After all, it's so good to celebrate the reminder of Jesus' birth yearly. It keeps us grounded and reminds us not to take it all for granted.
So this Christmas, while you enjoy all the little things we know and love, make sure you take some time out to think on where it all began.... in a manger in a small town in Israel over two thousand years ago: this is where Christmas should start and end for us.
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