It’s dark out. It’s not even 5 effing o’clock and it’s dark out.  Oh it’s also 42 degrees out and dark. Did I mention it’s already DARK?? I’ve already eaten dinner for Pete’s sake and not even to get an early bird special!! It just felt like I should eat because it was getting DARK. Ugh. (This must be why we all get fat in the winter.) So, not sure you remember, but about 8 weeks ago we were still going to the beach. It was sunny there. Actually, it was still sunny there MUCH later than 5 effing o’clock! As the fall has hit and now the colder weather, anyone like me is screwed. I hate winter. I hate being cold. I really, really miss the hot, sweaty sun. My body and brain most definitely miss the vitamin D. By now, whatever amount my body stored is gone. The wonderful vitamin D from the wonderful sun that I spend so much time outside enjoying is now gone. The seasonal depression could set in like it does for so many. Except, it won’t .  It’s not my wonderful, glass full attitude that will ward it off. Its not the counting down until summer returns either. It’s my focus.

Halloween is over. Its November. I don’t care what anyone else decides. For me and my family, the magical, blessed holiday season has begun!! We all need to stop that depression from coming, but how? By celebrating!!  I try to forget that it’s cold and dark and I’m eating too much chocolate. Instead, there’s a new focus….CHRISTMAS!! Or honestly whatever holiday you celebrate!! It’s just a great time to reflect on the many benefits of this season of GIVING!!

Now I hear all of you grinches out there and I know some of you are my bestest friends even!! But stop being grinches!! There’s plenty of times in life you can concentrate on the negative in a situation, but that has never gotten us anywhere,  has it? No! There is nothing wrong with getting really excited about a time of year you love and sharing that excitement with people you love!

So,here are my top 10 favorite things about the holiday season:

1. Presence. No, not presents, presence. There are parties. Lots of parties. Which means people, people we probably haven’t seen since last year. Now I understand we all know people we aren’t psyched to see and have to anyways, but there are so many people in my own life that I just don’t see enough! I love my family and friends. I think about them more often than they know. Life is so busy, but at the holidays we make time to see each other and I love it!!

2. Elf (and all other Christmas movies!). It doesn’t matter what religion you are…how can you not love Will Farrell and his performance in the movie Elf? I could watch this anytime, even July. It will never get old!

3. Good deeds. We should do good deeds all year long, obviously. I do what I can when I can regardless of the season. But, whether it be the media attention or just a feeling in the air, we see more good deeds done during the holiday season than any other time of year. This makes me feel great! I love to see people smiling and the unexpected, wonderful things we can do for one another makes people happy.

4. Gag gifts. Laughing is my favorite. What better way to laugh than to give a loved one a fart in a bag or anal beads in their stocking? Come on, you know it’s funny!

5. “Santa! I know him!” So, I really do…I believe in Santa. I don’t care if you think I’m crazy. Most of my friends figured that out years ago. St. Nicholas was a real person a very long time ago. Yes, he has since passed away, but he left a legacy! He left giving to loved ones, strangers, those in need, etc. as a legacy. He left a magic in the air that if you just close your eyes and allow yourself, you’ll feel it too!

6. Christmas lights. Picture Clark’s house in National Lampoons Christmas Vacation when the lights finally work! Yes! I’m with him! You can’t have too many lights! It’s dark and cold out as you pull into your neighborhood, but your house looks so inviting and fun and cozy because it’s all lit up like the 4th of July! Just. Awesome.

7. Food! Omg…we can’t possibly forget the FOOD! I love to cook and bake and entertain! It has always amazed me that a smell or a taste can take you back to a memory. Just close your eyes. My mom handed me down so many wonderful recipes and traditions that I get to share now with my own children and our friends and family. I love when I make something she always made and old friends and family members tell me it’s just like they remember it and it brings them back to our old Christmas parties that my mom used to host. She isn’t here anymore physically, but it’s the best way I know to keep her always in the heart of every Christmas for all of us!

8. Children. If you ever doubt the magic of the holiday season or you need to get a wake up call on its wonder and blessings, just look at a child! Watch them as it gets closer. Yes, they can get off the wall when they get over-stimulated, but they are so stinkin excited! Spend a little time looking at it all through their eyes. It’s contagious!

9. Mail! Who doesn’t love good, old-fashioned snail mail? Seriously, admit it! You run to the mailbox like a kid everyday and can’t wait to see something that’s not a bill! It’s a card that’s tell you to have a great holiday and a wonderful new year! Isn’t that thoughtful? Yes! And the pictures! I love the pictures! I love seeing everyone getting so big and I love seeing the families and the single people with their dogs even! It’s all good! You are on many people’s card sending lists…now send them yourself! Don’t act like it’s a pain, just do it and make other people smile because you gave them fun mail!

10. Christmas Music! There are very few genres of music that can be sung by several generations and everyone knows the words! Unless you’re singing twisted carols, they are appropriate and clean and send fun, playful, and sweet messages. If you are listening to the twisted carols, well sometimes that’s even better! Who doesn’t enjoy a good parody? The past 3 years my children and I have gone caroling in our neighborhood with our friends. It is so much fun! I highly recommend everyone at some point in time get over yourself and just go outside and sing! Who cares what you sound like? Christmas carols are for everyone!

So, there you go! These are great reasons to embrace the holiday season! Of course, you don’t have to get into it yet if you don’t want to, but then you can’t escape my Facebook posts on your newsfeed! Plus, I know you really love me no matter how crazy you think I am.