Sentimental me

I am not what one would call a "Christmas person.” You know the types - they have their presents bought, carefully wrapped and sitting under their well-decorated
tree by early December.

Their "lists" were made way back in September and October, their turkey is in the freezer, as well as their Christmas baking. They do not fight crowds in malls in December. They are well organized and ready. Unfortunately, I am not well-organized, nor ready.

However, I, like so many others in my position, spent some time at the local shopping malls this weekend, in search of the perfect gifts for those I care about.

I didn't find the experience motivating or inspiring. Shopping is something I have never enjoyed very much. I began to curse myself for not shopping online weeks ago, in the comfort of my home.

There are a number of things about this time of year that I dislike, but there are also things that I really enjoy. I'm going to talk about the latter.

Christmas music. Yes, I admit it. I especially love the "classics.” As I type this blog, I'm listening to a live stream of Christmas music online. Nat King Cole singing The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) always makes me feel sentimental.

I like to take a drive around my community after dark and look at the colourful displays and lights that people have adorned their homes with. The “Christmas Cruise” was one of the activities my family did year after year when I was a child.

My mother loved Christmas, and as soon as school was out for the holidays, she would drive my four siblings and I around to see all the light displays in the community. It really was a great time, and one which I incorporate into my holiday traditions.

My mother always insisted on a real tree, which we would decorate with her handmade ornaments and special antique glass ornaments which had been passed down for generations.

Each ornament had a story behind it, which she enjoyed sharing with us while we would place them on the tree, under her watchful eye. She filled the tree with as many lights as she could without causing it to topple.

This is how I like my tree as well, real and filled with many meaningful decorations. My mother was very talented when it came to crafts, and left us with many of her handicrafts that we enjoy taking out year after year and placing in and around the tree. We top our trees with a crocheted white angel she made for each of us.

I like taking the time to visit friends I've been "meaning to visit," but just haven't had the time. A few consecutive days off work is a wonderful opportunity to slow things down a bit and enjoy the real bounty we have, which can't be bought with money or gift wrapped in sparkly paper and put under the tree.

No matter how you spend the holidays, or who you spend it with, whether you are with family or far away from loved ones, you can channel the spirit of the season by taking the time to remember some of the little traditions you enjoyed growing up and make it special and memorable in your own way.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Janet Young is an amateur photographer who likes to share community events with Sudburians.