But still begs the question, why Christmas? What is it about the season that I love so much? It has been quite fun to think about and feels like the emotional equivalent of pulling on my Christmas onesie, mulled wine in hand, snuggling in front of the fire to watch The Muppets Christmas Carol. And who doesn’t love that feeling? The best answer I can give is, for me Christmas represents the best of humanity. We are all on show during December and while we fail miserably at times during the rest of the year, we really step it up for the end. Everyone is that little bit nicer, makes that bigger effort and engages in more charitable and altruistic acts. We are the best version of ourselves and that I love.
For me, growing up was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. I found it difficult to accurately read my father’s mood at times and lived pretty much on the edge. I was constantly afraid of being in trouble, of failing or dis-pleasing him. It was exhausting. But my father loved, and still loves, Christmas and in the beginning I think I loved having a defined period of time where he was in such a good mood. It was intoxicating and I wanted a part of it.
Slowly, over the years, my love of Christmas grew from the relief associated with my father to an appreciation all my own. For I had started to notice that he wasn’t the only one who was different in December. Teachers are school were kinder, friendlier, more lenient. The news was full of heart-warming stories. My family, which is large and unruly, always came together to just spend time with each other. And thus now my overriding love of Christmas is built on the foundations of spending time with people who I just don’t get to see enough throughout the year.
Don’t worry, this isn’t that kind of blog. I will be sharing next to no more insights about my personal life or psychoanalysing my childhood! The aim of this blog is to provide, mainly me though I hope you might stick around for the ride, with an excuse to really give some really serious thought to my top 10 Christmas songs, the best boozy hot chocolates around and where the best Christmas markets are to be found (and how to convince your other half/parent/best friend that a trip to Munich is vital).
I’d like to end this introduction by finishing up with a list, which in my head isn’t that long, but I am sure as I type will grow and grow like the Grinch’s heart, of what else I love about Christmas. Largely because I think it will be helpful in providing ideas for future blog posts… Oh yeah, I’m Holly (no seriously, that is actually my name), 31 North Londoner who for the past five years has found herself South of the river. Welcome.
- Christmas music
- Carols in the Royal Albert Hall
- Mince pies
- Mulled wine
- Cold weather
- Lights
- Christmas trees
- Decorating my house from top to bottom
- Visiting Christmas sections in departments stores
- Socialising
- Writing Christmas cards
- Eating my body weight in cheese
- Hot cider
- M&S Christmas food
- Putting together a stocking for my husband
- Watching Christmas films
- Watching the John Lewis advert for the first time. Then all subsequent Christmas adverts
- Planning out Christmas day food
- Reading Christmas magazines
- Snuggling in front of a fire
- Christmas jumpers, socks, jewellery
- Buying presents
- Playing games with family and friends
- Boozing
- Hot chocolates with marshmallows
- Advent calendars
- Baking Christmas themed treats
- Christmas smells in the house
- Tree presents
- Table presents
- Ice skating at Somerset house
- Visiting the Ideal Christmas Exhibition
- Doing nice things for others
- Those who still believe in father Christmas
- Christmas specials on TV
- Panto
- Poinsettias
- Office Christmas parties
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