Holidays are special to me. Especially Christmas. I love the decorations, the music, the whole atmosphere. I love when they start playing Christmas music on the radio and look forward to hearingSilent Night by the Temptations. Because I travel, I don’t put up a Christmas tree, but I do put up other holiday decorations. I think Christmas is my favorite holiday because that is when I travel down south to spend it with my family. It is a tradition we started when my oldest grandson was 4 or 5. He is 18 now. Every year any time between the 19th and 20th of December we head down the highway. That is all part of the charm. I know a lot of people don’t care for long road trips, but I do. That is my time to relax and just slow down from the bustle of life. I have had offers to travel to somewhere warm, to take a cruise, or to do something different during that time, but my answer is always no. I love the togetherness we have when I am with my family.
There is something about the tradition of doing the same thing with the people I love that sets the tone for the upcoming year for me. I love how the women all sit in the kitchen while my mom puts the finishing touches to the meal. She is queen of her kitchen and pretty much controls it all. The men sit out in the den talking and watching some game or movie.
When my grandparents were alive, they were a big part of the celebration. My grandfather would pray before dinner was served. One year his prayer was so long that we still laugh about it. There is always a lot of laughter and “remember this” or “remember that time.” Each year, when I go down, it varies on just what family members will be in attendance. It always depends on who can travel, but Christmas dinner is always at my mom’s house. After dinner, we move to the living room where we open presents.
To me, spending this time during the holidays is special. The memories and pictures from each year are something that I hold dear to my heart. It almost makes up for living so far away from my family. So, don’t feel pressured to buy the latest toy or gadget, or attend all of the celebrations that will be going on.
Take the time to enjoy the little things and appreciate the love of family and friends. Remember the reason for the season.
Conchetta Jones, a Shazzy Fitness guest blogger, is a Certified Life Coach, personalizing in personal development and confidence, and founder and CEO of "She's All That!" - a personal development and mentoring organization for girls and Owner of Confident Woman She's Alll That! - a lifestyle company for women. She loves motivating and inspiring women and girls to step out of the box that society puts them in and live life on their own terms.