The Halloween decorations are put away. The carved pumpkin turning to mush out in the woods behind our house. The wee one had a blast; he was going to be a golfer but after an alarmingly negative reaction to the very cute pom-pom hat, we had to abort on that idea. So, in typical Alyson-humor, we dressed him up as a doctor; sans hat. (If you've read my posts before, you know that our first year was filled with fun viruses, rare conditions and a ridiculous amount of time spent in medical facilities.)
Somehow, every year, after all of the pumpkins on the stoop have been infested by the chipmunks and squirrels, after the candy has been inhaled and the costume stored away for the next kid .... There is a time-warp through the rest of the year. I'm telling you -- the last two months of the year fly by at a rapid pace and are packed with more "To Do" lists that the rest of the year combined.
In my family, we are total geeks when it comes to the holidays. We over-do the fall decorations, eat like fools on Thanksgiving and make the holiday season a full blown event.
Have you seen the movie Griswald Family Christmas? Well, we're not quite that bad but we could be in contention. Seen a Christmas Story? Yes, it's on for 24 hours on Christmas Day and I'm guessing that in total, my dear, sweet husband watches about 6 of those throughout the day.
So, yes. I do consider myself to be an "expert" on getting into the holiday season. To compliment Women on Their Way's Top 10 Trips to get into the Holiday Spirit, I'm going to share with you my Top 10 List: How to Celebrate the Holiday Season. Disagree with me? Have a better holiday movie to recommend? Give me what you've got. Email me at WOTW@WyndhamWorldwide.com and I'll post your comments for the rest of our readers to share and learn from.
Drum-roll please ....
Alyson's Top 10 Ways to Celebrate the Holiday Season
Hot Chocolate -- must be made stove-top with milk, marshmallows are NOT optional and neither is the kind that comes from a packet.
Lights -- rides to be taken at night, kid in the back of the car with the PJs on. Christmas carols or holiday music playing on the radio. Sing-alongs optional -- my husband never does but I do like to belt out a tune now and then (okay, every single time that I'm in my car or the shower).
Decorations -- the day after Thanksgiving was made for one thing in my house -- decorating. The wreaths, garland, red bows and the numerous faux trees come up from storage every year on the day after our feast.
Cards -- I admit, I often find the cards that I've written out stashed away somewhere over the year, totally forgotten and never mailed but it is the thought that counts, right? And, I am a very busy working Mom. However, the writing of the cards does get me into the holiday spirit.
The Giving Spirit -- Toy drives, food for the homeless, clothing drives, "angel trees" -- there are so many ways to give to those who need help, especially over the winter months. With all that you have to be thankful for, isn't this a great time to give back and show how grateful you are?
Sledding -- There is nothing quite like getting outside to get your heart roaring, your metabolism racing and your little ones laughing. Play outside with your kids -- jump in the leaves, go for a long walk and check out the decorated houses in your neighborhood or play in the snow. There is something so Norman Rockwell about taking the kids sledding and then heading indoors for that freshly made hot coco!
A Weekend Away -- Every year we try to take a weekend away from the malls, the lists and the holiday madness to celebrate with our family or friends. This year we are taking our mini-vaca in November and are heading up to the mountains for a long weekend with two other families and plan to do nothing but play with the kids, build fires and eat delish home-cooked meals.
Thoughtful Gifts -- Instead of just grabbing gift cards as you whiz through the mall, put a little thought into the presents that you are buying for those that you love. I know, I know -- the pressure of it all! But seriously, putting thought into the gift is practically more important than the gift itself! Think about what that person would buy for themselves if they were to splurge. Is it the latest CD or is it guitar lessons? A new sweater or some fun new sewing patterns and funky fabric? A great gift for anyone is the gift of travel. I know, I sound like an ad. Honestly though, last year I gave my Dad and his wife a certificate for a vacation with EVRentals.com and they are going to Williamsburg this holiday season with the certificate. I knew that they probably wouldn't take another trip this year if left to their own devices and they could use a break. Plus, Williamsburg truly embraces the holiday spirit with beautiful natural decorations, lots of caroling and glowing candles everywhere!
Daily Surprises -- I bought an Advent Calendar box the first Christmas that my DH and I started dating. Back then, I had a lot more time on my hands, and wrote up this super cute poem about our getting together and blah, blah, blah and put one line per day for him to open into the advent box. Now, I am limited on time but still want to let him know how much he means to me -- and he wants his turn to do the same! So, one of us takes the even days, one the odd and we fill that advent with little treats, certificates for things like a dinner out or a new holiday CD and we count down the days until Christmas. Don't celebrate Christmas? Use it to count down to Hanukah, Kwanzaa or New Year's. It's just a nice way to start each morning.
Holiday Movies -- A Christmas Carol, A Griswald Family Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, The Grinch That Stole Christmas, A Charlie Brown Christmas .... Pop that pop-corn, snuggle up with the kids on the couch under a warm blanket and sip on your hot chocolate. The holiday season is filled with "specials" that become tradition. Good stuff.
And a holiday bonus tip -- Time alone as a couple. My DH and I are taking off one day while the wee one is still in daycare and are going to do some last minute Christmas shopping, a nice romantic lunch and then we're taking in a holiday movie. Best part -- since he's in daycare, no extra babysitter costs which means some more $$ for that shopping part.
