“It’s the most wonderful time of the year….”

So goes the classic holiday song of the same name, originally sung by Andy Williams and crooned by the likes of Garth Brooks, Harry Connick Jr. and even the Muppets. As far as Christmas songs go, it’s one of my favorites and it certainly expresses how I feel about the season.

For me, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. There’s a certain eagerness that goes with everything that happens around the holidays that you just don’t get any other time of the year. The feelings you get when you plug in the first lights, put up the tree, hang the ornaments, buy presents, wrap presents, give or get those presents and even attend Christmas mass are as magical as Santa himself.

In between those moments though, it’s easy to get wrapped up (no pun intended) in everything that has to occur to make those moments happen. To hang the lights requires you to get them out, to buy your gifts you have to bear the Christmas crowds and assembling the tree (artificial or not) is often very, very messy.

So how do we keep the holiday spirit alive? Let’s look back at the song….

“There’ll be much mistltoeing and hearts will be glowing when loved ones are near….”

The key to Christmas isn’t presents but presence, being with the people you love. Yes, it sounds sappy, but that’s precisely whom everyone wants to spend the holidays with, friends and family.

And this doesn’t just apply to Christmas, but year round. With tests, clubs, activities and jobs, it’s easy to get wrapped up in what we’re doing without really thinking about what we’re doing or who we’re spending our time with. I found this especially true this past finals week. Having reached the end, I regret not spending more time with friends, even though I know I’ll see them next semester.

So amongst all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I encourage you to take some time to really enjoy the season. Enjoy the celebrations but most importantly enjoy who you’re celebrating with. Then it really will be the most wonderful time of the year.

Happy Holidays!

Matt 🙂

Struggling to find the Christmas Spirit? Here are some pointers.