This ‘improving Christmas’ has become a bit of a pet project, one that has sparked my desire to write more again. I think this has largely to do with the feeling I can’t quite shake, the feeling that I can’t be the only one experiencing this right now.
I’m not particularly religious and while Christmas was special and fun as a child, it was never my favorite holiday. I don’t have kids of my own yet and there’s nobody around to see our Christmas or lack there of (especially this year). I don’t think it’s Christmas even… it’s the season.
The snow, cold, and evergreens. The lights, music, and smells. The joy and fellowship. Sounds like a romanticized bunch of hoohockey for sure, but I can’t help feeling like this Yule time should have some kind of magic in it… and in this year of quarantine, sharing what little magic I’ve been able to create feels that much more important.
In part 1, I listed the stuff we’ve done so far, but I thought I’d delve a little further for those of you who still have some free time this season, who might be looking for something to do as a family, or a couple.
Baking and Decorating cookies: We invited another human over to make cookies over the weekend, someone who is already in our bubble through work. It was fun, we had dinner, baked, and then frosted 20 some snowflakes. I would suggest making sure you have everything a person needs first… ie: a way to frost or decorate.
Holiday Season Date: We have already done one of two. Our first date consisted of a late outdoor diner at a food truck pod, by the heat of a fire pit and the light of twinkling lights. We drove around, looked at lights, and listened to a book on tape when we weren’t talking. Our second date will be partially a surprise for me, but I bought us tickets to a drive through light display, that’s apparently brilliant.
Getting a Tree: If you are wanting to get a tree but unsure of where, look up local tree farms. If you are feeling especially adventurous (the way we did it three years ago, and my entire childhood) get a permit from a National Forest or find a friend with land, explore, and cut the perfect one yourselves. Remember rope to tie the tree down for the drive home.
Coffee & Conundrums 