Online Christmas Magazine

The Holiday and Christmas Season

When does it begin to 'feel' like it's Christmas? Is it when it's time to flip the calendar from November to December? Is it when schools and churches begin to practice Christmas music and plays? Or is it when the shops begin to stock up on Christmas merchandise? It could be a combination of all of the above. But perhaps, just perhaps, one of the biggest indications that "Christmas is coming!" is that nip in the air that you will feel one day.

The days of autumn are lovely. Mellow and balmy, a welcome change from the sweltering summer. The world is golden and peaceful. Then on one definite day, everything changes. The gold turns to brown and then hits the ground! The sun gives more light than heat it seems. People walk faster when they're outdoors; there is a sudden energy in the air that grips everything. What's happening? Winter has arrived and Christmas is coming! And if nothing else affirms it, Mother Nature does.

If nature is dressing different, the people are not far behind. Fashion undergoes a sudden and drastic change. The blues, purples and pinks do a vanishing act, to be replaced by 'Christmas colors.' People root around in their wardrobes and manage to dig out surprising quantities of carefully preserved woolens, all in the signature red or green. And the colors don't just stop with a coat or muffler! They extend their influence to footwear, accessories and even makeup.

In case you thought that the changes were only skin deep, think again! Food is a big part of the countdown to Christmas. All attempts and thoughts of a diet are cheerily disposed off quite easily and sensible people buckle down to a happy season of good food and plenty of it! Baking essentials feature prominently on almost all shopping lists. Family conferences are held by email or over the telephone to decide not only the Christmas day menu, but also the details and recipes of all the eating that will lead up to the big day.

And finally, one of the all-time favorite highlights of the festive season: shopping. Every year fresh resolutions are made to start early. But however early you start, it's not very likely that you will completely eliminate the last-minute rush and panic. So do the positive thing and chalk it down to being part of the special Christmas magic. Weather you're shopping for trees or food or clothes, whether for yourself or for four generations of family, the deepening dent in your credit card is beautifully balanced by the joy of giving to loved ones and to those less fortunate than you.

So whatever activity is going to fill up your holidays this year, give it every bit of energy and enthusiasm you can and have a Christmas that's truly a season of joy and goodwill to mankind.