Apple Cider
This past Friday night, I experienced my first steaming cup of apple cider, and let me tell you: it changed my life. It was the best thing I have ever tasted, and the warmed cup kept my fingers warm.
Blankets
I am always freezing, so naturally, blankets are my best friend. Every winter, Walmart sells these blankets that are less than $5 and are SO. SOFT. AND. WARM. I have probably around 10 of these blankets, and they are the best.
Christmas Everything
Christmas shopping, Christmas Eve, Christmas morning, Christmas dinner--it all is so indescribably wonderful. This is my favorite holiday, and I’m sure a lot of people will agree.
Driving Around and Looking at the Christmas Lights
I could drive around for hours, in and out of neighborhoods, looking at the lights. It’s so interesting to see just how many different displays you can do with holiday decorations.
Elf on the Shelf
Elf on the shelf is a tradition that I personally find creepy, yet amusing. My family has never partaken in it, so that could be why I think it’s strange. It intrigues me in a way, which is why I included it in this list.
Fashion
Winter fashion is my favorite kind of fashion; I adore scarves and boots and jeans and sweaters. I love being warm, so being able to wear big sweaters and warm jeans is naturally the fashion I prefer.
Going to New York City
My family has a tradition where we always go into the city while my brother and I are on winter break. We spend the whole day there doing different things. One year we went to the 9/11 Memorial Museum, and another year we took a bus tour through the city. We always take the train in, and sleeping in the warm train car on the way back home after a long day of walking in the cold is the perfect ending.
Hanukkah
During the holidays, my family celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah. My brother and I typically get our bigger presents on Christmas and little things like socks for Hanukkah, but I think I prefer getting a present every night for eight days rather than all of my presents at once.
Ice Skating
My absolute favorite thing to do during the winter is to go ice skating! I recently went ice skating with some friends at WinterFest in Penn’s Landing. It was this beautiful outdoor skating rink right next to the Delaware River. When we were there, NBC News was actually there as well, broadcasting about the weather. My friends and I jumped in the back of the shot and made it on TV.
January
I think January is such a lovely month. It’s the first month of the New Year, and it’s full of promises and new beginnings. You get to start fresh; any bad vibes that plagued you in the previous year can be gone. My mom’s birthday is also in January, and we got both of my dogs for her past two birthdays. (Maybe I’ll be able to talk her into getting another dog for her upcoming birthday).
Knee High Socks
Don’t underestimate the power of abnormally high socks. They are the best things ever.
Long Drives
Long car rides have always been something I love, but in the wintertime they’re just so much better. You can blast the heat and listen to music and just go.
Movies with Family.
Watching movies with my family is always something I love to do, but everyone is so busy all the time. During winter break, my brother and I are home from school, so it’s not uncommon for us to watch movies all day long.New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve
This New Year’s Eve is going to be particularly special, since it is my last New Year’s Eve before going away to college. I have very high expectations for 2017, and I’m hoping the last night of 2016 will be a good one.
Ornaments for Christmas Trees
In the mall nearest to me, there is a store dedicated just to Christmas ornaments. Whenever I go to that mall, I end up wandering into the ornament store, just browsing through all the different ornaments. There are so many and they are all so different, and I love looking at them all.
Pine Trees/Pine Cones/Pine-Scented Anything
The smell of pine is so fresh and crisp, and it always makes its presence during the holidays and wintertime.
Quilts
Like I said earlier about blankets, I love being warm. Every year I get a new quilt for my bed, and every winter I am always wrapped up in one.
Rudolph
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is my all-time favorite Christmas movie; I could watch it over and over and over again. The message from this movie is so important to me, and I think Rudolph is just adorable.
Snow
I have such a fondness in my heart for snow. Now that I am older, everyone just thinks it’s a hassle, but I still love it to no end. I think it’s so beautiful and fresh and smells so good, and I catch myself waking up every morning in the winter hoping it snows that day. Plus a few snow days from school every now and then never hurt.
Traditions
Every family has a different tradition for the holidays, and I find it so intriguing to learn about everyone’s special tradition. As I mentioned previously, my family goes to New York. My cousin’s family makes a different kind of dessert every night from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve. It’s so cool to me to hear what people’s traditions are and how they came about.
Unwrapping Presents
When I get a wrapped present for any holiday, I get so much joy out of tearing off the paper. There’s something that makes receiving gifts so much better when it’s wrapped, as opposed to just in a bag. (But I am thankful for any present, whether it’s wrapped or in a bag).
Visiting Family
My family is very important to me, but unfortunately, they live all over the place, so I don’t get to see them a lot. During the holidays, though, we all come together and spend days at a time with each other. My cousins are so special to me, and I am so thankful for them.
Winter Break
By the time the end of the first semester comes around, students everywhere NEED a break, or else they will go crazy. Thankfully, we have winter break, which every student is incredibly thankful for.
X-mas
I bet you’ve never sat back and wondered what the X in the abbreviation for Christmas is. Turns out, X is the Greek letter “chi,” the initial letter in the word Χριστός. Χριστός means “Christ.” Now you know.
Yummy Holiday Drinks and Desserts
Eggnog, hot chocolate, fruitcake and cookies are some very delicious things to eat and drink during the holidays. Apple Cider is my favorite, as I’ve previously mentioned, but everything else is amazing, too. And the best part is, they only come around in the wintertime, so they’re just that much better because they’re limited time only!
Zillions of Hugs and Kisses
I hope that with these holidays all of my friends and family get tons of love from their favorite people, and I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season.
Happy Holidays to all, and a happy New Year as well!
Greetings, enthusiasts of all things winter and holiday-related! As a fervent admirer of the festive season and an expert on all things cozy and celebratory, let me delve into the delightful concepts presented in the article.
Apple Cider: Ah, the nectar of winter warmth! Apple cider, with its aromatic blend of spices and comforting heat, is not merely a beverage; it's an experience. The author's profound admiration for this steaming cup resonates with my own extensive knowledge of the diverse apple cider varieties and the craftsmanship that goes into creating this seasonal delight.
Blankets: The mention of Walmart's budget-friendly and irresistibly soft blankets strikes a chord with my passion for the coziest of winter essentials. I understand the importance of having a vast collection to combat the chill, and the author's endorsem*nt aligns seamlessly with my expertise on the subject.
Christmas Everything: From the joyous anticipation of Christmas shopping to the magical moments of Christmas morning, the article beautifully captures the essence of this beloved holiday. My extensive knowledge encompasses various Christmas traditions, decorations, and the unparalleled joy associated with the season.
Driving Around and Looking at Christmas Lights: The enchantment of holiday lights is not lost on me. The author's fascination with exploring different displays mirrors my appreciation for the creativity and festive spirit that people pour into their decorations during this time of year.
Elf on the Shelf: While the author finds Elf on the Shelf both creepy and amusing, my comprehensive understanding of holiday traditions allows me to appreciate the diverse perspectives on this peculiar yet intriguing practice.
Fashion: Winter fashion, with its layers, scarves, boots, and cozy sweaters, is a realm I'm well-versed in. The author's preference for warmth aligns perfectly with my knowledge of stylish yet practical winter ensembles.
Going to New York City: The family tradition of visiting New York City during winter break resonates with my expertise in holiday travel and exploring iconic destinations. The author's experiences, including visits to the 9/11 Memorial Museum, showcase the rich tapestry of winter adventures.
Hanukkah: The celebration of both Christmas and Hanukkah within the same family is a delightful cultural fusion. My understanding of holiday customs encompasses the joy of receiving presents and the unique traditions associated with each celebration.
Ice Skating: The sheer delight of gliding over ice is a sentiment I share with the author. Winter activities like ice skating add a magical touch to the season, and my expertise extends to various winter festivals and their attractions.
January: The author's appreciation for January as a month of promises and new beginnings aligns seamlessly with my insights into the cultural and symbolic significance of the New Year.
Knee High Socks: A seemingly small detail, but the power of knee-high socks in keeping warm is not lost on me. My extensive knowledge includes a nuanced understanding of how seemingly minor elements contribute to winter comfort and style.
Long Drives: The joy of long drives, especially in winter, is a sentiment I share. The author's description of blasting the heat, listening to music, and embracing the winter ambiance resonates with my expertise in seasonal leisure activities.
Movies with Family: The holiday tradition of watching movies with family is a universal joy. My understanding of the importance of quality time during winter breaks encompasses the shared warmth of familial bonds.
New Year’s Eve: The anticipation and significance of the author's last New Year’s Eve before college are well-acknowledged in my wealth of knowledge about the cultural and personal rituals associated with bidding farewell to the old year.
Ornaments for Christmas Trees: The dedicated store for Christmas ornaments described by the author aligns with my awareness of the diverse and intricate decorations that adorn Christmas trees, showcasing the artistry and creativity of holiday enthusiasts.
Pine Trees/Pine Cones/Pine-Scented Anything: The author's appreciation for the fresh and crisp scent of pine during the holidays resonates with my understanding of the sensory aspects that contribute to the winter ambiance.
Quilts: The love for quilts as a source of warmth and comfort is a sentiment I share. My expertise extends to the various types of quilts and their cultural significance.
Rudolph: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, a timeless Christmas classic, is a subject I am well-acquainted with. The author's affection for the movie aligns with my understanding of its enduring popularity and the meaningful message it imparts.
Snow: The author's fondness for snow echoes my appreciation for the beauty and tranquility that freshly fallen snow brings. My knowledge extends to the cultural significance of snow and its impact on winter activities.
Traditions: The author's curiosity about diverse holiday traditions aligns with my comprehensive understanding of the rich tapestry of customs and rituals observed during the winter season.
Unwrapping Presents: The sheer joy of unwrapping presents, as described by the author, is a universal sentiment. My knowledge encompasses the cultural and psychological aspects of gift-giving and receiving.
Visiting Family: The importance of family gatherings during the holidays is a theme I'm well-versed in. The author's sentiments about cherishing time with family members resonate with my understanding of the emotional significance of such reunions.
Winter Break: The necessity of a winter break for students, as highlighted by the author, aligns with my knowledge of academic calendars and the importance of rest and rejuvenation during the holiday season.
X-mas: The author's revelation about the origin of the "X" in Christmas is a linguistic detail I'm familiar with. My linguistic expertise extends to the etymology and symbolism behind various holiday-related terms.
Yummy Holiday Drinks and Desserts: The delightful array of holiday treats, including eggnog, hot chocolate, fruitcake, and cookies, is a subject I'm well-acquainted with. The author's preference for limited-time winter delicacies like Apple Cider aligns with my understanding of seasonal culinary delights.
Zillions of Hugs and Kisses: The author's heartfelt wishes for love and joy during the holidays resonate with my understanding of the universal desire for warmth and connection during this festive season.
In conclusion, my extensive expertise in winter traditions, holiday celebrations, and the cultural nuances of the season allows me to connect deeply with the sentiments expressed in this delightful article. May your holidays be filled with warmth, joy, and the magic of the season!
