It started out in mid-November with 4 different versions of Silent Night filling the air. The moment eggnog was on the shelf, I could expect 3 or 4 cartons at a time to consume our fridge. My mother would always tell me, “Christmas time goes by so quickly, so you have to start early as not to let it pass you by…” Though for me while growing up it seemed as though this holiday filled with magic and wonder could never get here quickly enough.
Our traditions would always officially begin the day after Thanksgiving. Daddy would grab all of the Christmas bins from the attic, and the second they touched the floor my mother and I would rip into them as if they were the Christmas gifts themselves. As us girls would hang the Styrofoam glittery snowflakes from the ceiling and carefully place the angel hair snow on top of the entertainment center, it was then Dad’s job to get out into the 30 degree weather and hang the lights up on the house and in the trees. Of course, we would always have to nag him for a week prior to really get him in the spirit.
Around December 12th was Christmas tree hunting time. Decisions of fullness, to flock or not to flock, and if we could fit this giant timber into our living room were key factors in our selection. Once we found the perfect choice, it was that moment I started really feeling the jingle bells and the sugar plums dancing gracefully in my head.
Then, the night that made it all worthwhile; the night before Christmas. My mother and I would spend the entire day making Christmas cookies, all of course with Santa Claus’ appetite in mind. Frosting, red and green sprinkles, and cookie cutter shapes consumed our day until the night came to leave them out for the man in the red suit. It was pure anticipation and excitement that kept me awake for hours and hours listening for Santa’s footsteps on the roof, until finally I could keep my tired eyes open no more.
I will always remember Christmas time this way, a wonderful time to be with family. In the end, Mom’s advice stood true… In retrospect the time went by in a blink.