Classes are coming to an end, finals are rapidly approaching: it’s the final push. Sometimes it’s difficult to cope with so much stress, but whatever holiday you celebrate, if you stop to think about it, there is a lot to look forward to.
Food:
The first delight of the holidays is arguably the food. In addition to delicately preparing holiday dinner, we make and consume delicious desserts. The choices range anywhere from pecan tarts, to apple crisps, to fruitcake—yes, even fruitcake—in the kitchen. This is the time of year to eat anything and everything your heart desires. It’s always enjoyable to cook and bake with family—and let’s not forget the numerous family traditions every household possesses. During Christmas dinner, we always burst open crackers, which are similar to miniature fireworks that contain surprising little gifts. On Boxing Day, we invite friends and family over, piling our plates high with copious amounts of leftovers and tasty treats, and play board games until the early morning.
Rest:
Holidays are also a time for rest and relaxation. After a long, and at times sleepless, semester, I always look forward to returning home. I can sleep in past noon, watch too much television, or play cards and board games with my family. This is the season where you realize family bonding time is significantly undervalued. Before coming to university, you may have been eager to escape your typical surroundings, but as famous saying goes, ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder.’
That Christmas feeling:
It is also impossible to forget the music, movies, decorations, and weather associated with the holidays. Christmas music and movies never cease to capture the imagination. Classic songs like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer play continuously and movies such as The Miracle on 34th Street, It’s a Wonderful Life and, of course, Scrooged are must watches. Decorating the house is a vital part of the joy and merriment of the holiday season. There are always ornaments to hang on the tree, garlands to wrap around the banister, and wreaths to hang on the front door.This time of year also helps everyone romanticize about the harsh and frigid Montreal weather, after all, ‘I’m dreaming of a white Christmas!’
Giving:
I think we can all appreciate the fact that everyone seems to be a little nicer during the season of giving. Most people look for any way, big or small, to help out and eagerly place money into the red Salvation Army kettles, or volunteer their time at a charity. The holidays are also a time to show our loved ones how much we care. We take time to just be with each other, and put serious thought into the perfect present. It’s always rewarding to see the enjoyment on someone’s face when they finally receive their gift. Another part of the holiday shopping fun is finding the best deals and discounts. When you manage to buy a present worth hundreds of dollars for 60 per cent off, you might even enjoy making the purchase more than they enjoy receiving it.
New Year’s Eve:
New Year’s Eve is always an anticipated event. Staying up late, surrounded by all your loved ones is a great way to ring in the New Year. You wait around for hours, watching the television coverage—I recommend Anderson Cooper on CNN—and waiting for the countdown to begin. When I hear ‘ten, nine, eight…’ my stomach begins to turn with anxiousness and excitement. Finally, ‘three, two, one…’ and the New Year has arrived. The New Year is the perfect ending to an amazing time with family and promises a new beginning for everyone.
So relax, and enjoy what’s truly important this holiday season, no matter how you celebrate. Leave your stress behind, get home, and get comfy—‘tis the season, after all!
