There’s lots of things I like about Christmas but for me it’s simple. I love the presents. Even if I don’t like the present I love the thought of somebody thinking of me and putting hours into/using there own money to get me a gift.
The food. Tamales hit different around Christmas for me, New Year’s is menudo/pozole. I also can’t get enough of Christmas cookies.
I get to pretend for a little while that things are OK. All of the songs are really happy. I think I get wrapped up in the nostalgia and remember being a kid.
Family. I’m very lucky to have a good one. I grew up with parents who moved away from their families before I was born, but we always traveled back - once in the summer, and then again for Christmas. Despite living a ways away, I had great relationships with my grandparents, cousins, etc.
Then it was my turn to move away. I’ll be home for Christmas. :)
Time. My wife is a school teacher and I’m an engineer at a place that shuts down from Christmas through new years. I absolutely love having no schedule and just waking up every day with the kids and figuring out who were going to see and how were going to spend our time. It’s an absolute luxury and I love it so much.
The music.
Brenda lee, nat king cole, sinatra, harry belafonte, all made some incredible xmas albums. I play piano, and there are so many great jazz christmas books too.
