(Guest post by Benji)
As I sit here in the middle of March, surrounded by the warmth and joy of Christmas memories, I'm reminded why I choose to celebrate this special holiday all year round. My love for Christmas isn't just about the presents, decorations, or even the festive atmosphere – it's about the spirit of love, generosity, and family that embodies the true essence of the season.
Growing up in a large family, Christmas was always a magical time. My siblings and I would eagerly anticipate the holiday, and our parents would go to great lengths to make it special. One of my fondest memories was our family tradition of picking our stockings for the year. Those colorful, felt ski boot stockings, handmade (or so I thought!) with love, represented our family's unique bond and connection to the mountains of Utah.
However, it wasn't until I stumbled upon those cherished stockings 20 years later that I discovered a heartwarming secret. The number 10 stocking, mine, was different from the rest – smaller, shaped like the Mouse King from The Nutcracker, and crafted with extra love. In that moment, I realized my family had gone out of their way to make me feel included, to give me a special place in our Christmas traditions.
That realization sparked something within me. I understood that Christmas isn't just a holiday; it's a state of mind. It's about embracing love, kindness, and generosity every day. As the famous essay "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus" beautifully puts it, "He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy."
As an adult, and especially as a parent, I've experienced the magic of Christmas through my children's eyes. I've seen how the spirit of Santa Claus lives on through acts of kindness, charity, and compassion. And I've come to realize that Christmas isn't just a season; it's a way of life.
So, why do I celebrate Christmas all year long? Because I believe in the transformative power of love, kindness, and generosity. I believe that the true spirit of Christmas can bring joy, hope, and light to our lives, no matter the time of year.
In the words of Tiny Tim, "God bless Us, Every One!" May we all keep Christmas well, and may its spirit guide us throughout the year. --- Share your favorite Christmas traditions and memories in the comments below! How do you keep the spirit of Christmas alive throughout the year?
You can listen to more of Benji's thoughts about celebrating Christmas year-round by checking out his contributions to "The Total Christmas Podcast"--Put his name in the search bar to find his episodes.
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