Thankful. Grateful. Blessed.
It was a hot and humid Sunday midmorning, heading to a food festival with my best friend of 19 years, her favourite time of the year, she randomly asked me “Dude why exactly do you love Christmas?” In the heat of the moment I quickly replied, “great food and rum” (obvious answers.) Over the next few weeks I kept thinking of her question until I finally gave it thought during some me time.
Why do I love Christmas?
Staff parties are planned and executed, new curtains and marley are being purchased, windows are being cleaned, outside steps need scrubbing, houses are being painted - this is when you know December is coming.
Flights are booked, menus are planned, jingles heard on social media, this is when you know December is coming.
Christmas is more than a day to me. It’s a season, like winter, like fall because all the leaves turn orange…but that’s another story.
The Christmas season means that family near and far make an extra effort to come over because it’s the only time of the year where vacation is justifiable, and it is okay to take a break from the 2-3 jobs you've been working for the year. The Christmas season allows you to go house to house carolling for meat and drinks and it is acceptable to play loud music because it’s expected you will be entertaining guests.
The Christmas season brings the best sales where you don’t feel guilty to spoil yourself for a successful year.
The Christmas season means that your favourite seasonal drinks are littered in the supermarkets, like sorrel and Southern Comfort Eggnog (which my sister introduced me to).
During the Christmas season, some miss those dearest to them the most, the good memories wrapped around them as a blanket providing the only comfort, of course, wishing they would have one more day with those lost.
The Christmas season forces you to reminisce. You find yourself asking “What did I do all year? What do I have to show for all the money I spent instead of saving? Why didn’t I go to the gym back in April?”
The Christmas season allows companies to share bonuses with staff, awarding them for a profitable year.
The Christmas season comes with great bonding traditions whether it is going to see cows and pigs being slaughtered at 4am or driving around late at nights to see business places or houses with their Christmas lights spectacle.
'T's the season to be jolly...Far la la la la la la la ley.
Okay, it doesn't say my name, but you get the picture'.
It's the season where everyone deliberately spread glitter all around from the CEO to the neighbourhood vagrant. It’s the season where I am the most appreciative. Don’t get me wrong, during the 11 months prior I am, you should see me in the month of May; but December, specifically during the Christmas season from Dec 23rd to Jan 3rd I deliberately choose to be happy.
I am thankful for my health first and foremost, the many many MANY life lessons I was taught; some I had to learn more than once... unfortunately, milestones achieved, memories made and friendships rekindled even the births and birthdays enjoyed.
I am grateful for my place of employment, the retail workers, any place or person of service I used during the year, because of you, my life ran smoother.
I am blessed because I am still surrounded by family and friends and because the universe and God’s mercies carried me holistically through the year. This is why I love Christmas
Today is December 1st 2019, it’s not too hot or cold, it's the perfect date; a tiny slice of fruit cake and glass of Southern Comfort eggnog spiked with local rum filled with ice sits at the bottom of my Christmas tree as its lights flicker brightly. The verse from my one of favourite Christmas carol is playing, 'Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire' by Nat King Cole; the scent of my mom’s sorrel drink is filling the house while she is humming in the kitchen.
This song popped in my head and caused me to smile “Thanks, thanks, I give you thanks, for all you’ve done, for me, I am so blessed, my soul is at rest, Ohhhh, I give you thanks.”
My name is Farley Edward. I LOVE orange, both fruit and colour, Christmas, birthdays and fireworks.
Christmas is a BIG deal in my household! I love our local Christmas traditions!!
From the entire Unicorn Project Family, MERRY CHRISTMAS!
We hope you enjoy your Christmas traditions and get to bask in your culture whether you're at home or abroad!
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