Fesitivities at Christmas Time - What a Wonderful Season

Before we know it, Christmas seems to be upon us again every year. Trying to get and keep a head start on things is something that I have focused on in more recent years. This can sometimes help in being able to enjoy Christmas, over being too busy and burned out on the Christmas Season.

Many know the feeling of having too much to do, while at the same time having so many neat opportunities of different things to enjoy with family and friends.

As I look back over the years, I realize I have some very fond memories of different festivities that have taken place. I just want to briefly share some of those happy memories here.

Nutcracker Ballet

When I was a young girl, I was lucky enough to get to go to see a Nutcracker Ballet that was being put on at our local Community College. It was a joy to even just anticipate! I recall my mother purchasing the tickets and then waiting for the big day to come. I had heard so much about it. I appreciated getting a bit of "culture" in this way. We had a great time.

Disneyland Christmas Parade

Once, when I was visiting Disneyland during the Christmas season, I was highly encouraged by my Uncle to make sure and see the Christmas Parade. There are almost no words to fairly convey how neat that was, as it came up Main Street at Disneyland in California. If you are ever at Disneyland or Disney World during Christmas, make sure to observe what they have going on for Christmas. You don't want to miss it!

Putting up the Christmas Tree and Wrapping Presents

All time Christmas favorites here for sure! Kids simply love having a decorated tree with lights. There is something just magical and special about it. It creates a wonderful sense of tradition, taking out these ornaments each year, hanging up stockings, or whatever it is you do with your own family. I recall looking back and learning to wrap presents from my Aunt Donna. My mother helped me a little bit with this also, but my Aunt Donna is a pro wrapper, and taught us all the tricks that I use to this day!

Making Cookies and Candy and Sharing Them

Every year, my mother faithfully made butter cookies with sprinkles. They were in several different shapes. My Grandmother also had a famous fudge recipe that we used every year. It was called, See's Fudge. To this day, it is my favorite fudge. Neighbors receiving some of these special gifts were so happy.

Christmas Shopping and Driving to see Christmas Lights

No Christmas is complete without shopping. One fun way to end the time out, is to go see local lights in neighborhoods. Wherever we have lived, we have tried to seek out neat areas that put up lights and decorations. We always enjoy this, and are in awe of people's talent.

Sending and Receiving Christmas Cards

A chunk of time is spent every Christmas, mailing out cards. I just have to do it. It is almost becoming a thing of the past, depending on how you look at it. There hopefully will always be some "die hards" out there, that don't give up on sending out Christmas cards.

Watching Old Movies and Christmas Cartoons

This is a must for me. It simply isn't Christmas to me, without seeing some of the old classics. From cartoons to movies, I love them all.

Going to Botanical Gardens

In the photo in this hub, you can see some decorations put up for a Christmas and Holiday show at the botanical garden. Our butterfly house had another event. They had trains and presents and more decorations than you can imagine! You can even shop afterward in the gift shops. This is a newer tradition that I have been keeping for the last few years.

**Christmas is meant to be a time to enjoy, not just be so busy and overwhelmed like we sometimes see. Setting priorities, being flexible, and planing ahead have made it possible to enjoy the season more and more each year.