Countdown to Christmas 2024….Day 4

Wednesday Holiday Randoms…five things I love about the holidays <3

Random #1

It’s the lights for me. 

Put white lights on anything and it transforms the whole scene. Fairy lights tucked in a plant or around some figurines bring me delight. 

I think it started when I was little and my mom would put a small tree in the room I shared with my sister. Later when we had our own rooms, we still had our trees during the holidays. 

Falling asleep with my eyes on those lights chased away the usual anxious thoughts that accompanied bed time. 

So yes, I string lights anywhere I can and sometimes I leave them up all year. 

Random #2

I love making a batch of sugar cookies, setting them out on a table in front of a bunch of kids and adding bowls of icing, knives and assorted sprinkles. 

They always turn out extra fancy, though eating them is a leap of faith. Because…kids…icing…candy…not the most sanitary setting.

So eat at your own risk, if you ever visit us at Christmas. 

Random #3

The scent of any candle that smells like Thyme’s Frasier Fir. 

There are some I have found that come so close, and yes, I do make sure I get a couple from Thymes.

I may have a weakness for some sold at the store where I work that are a dead ringer for that classic. And since it is a favorite, this is the time of year to stock up.

Not just any pine tree candle will do. 

There is a subtle difference that makes you feel like you are standing in front of a fresh evergreen tree. 

A welcome fragrance all winter long. And perhaps into the spring and summer for evergreens are…ever green, you know.

Random #4

Holiday mugs. 

I just moved all of our every day mugs out and the fun Christmas ones are filling the cabinet. 

I will be drinking my morning coffee and afternoon tea out of these seasonal favorites. Like the lights, some of these linger after the holidays to get me through the winter. 

There are just certain mugs that feel right, if you know what I mean. 

Random #5

Holiday programs. 

Band and choral concerts, where kids perform in their fancy clothes and wiggle and wave to family out in the audience. 

Caroline’s recital; where for a day all the sports are put on hold and she gets to be celebrated for what she loves to do.

Church plays and the kids singing during a service. 

Orchestra concerts where our eyes are now on the teacher/director as she leads her students through the selections they have practiced in class.

All of it. 

Sure it adds a lot to the calendar, but it’s the best and we are looking forward to each and every event. 

How about you? 

What do you love this time of year?