Favorite Things

Only 26 day until Christmas!

Christmas is probably on my " Top 5 Favorite Things" list! Family outings, yummy food, Christmas music, my birthday! The list could go on a long time and I don't want to keep you. However I want to hear why you love it. To get the convo started I asked some friends what were some of their favorite things about Christmas. But they couldn't give me any Jesus related answers (don’t give me that look, he should already be your favorite). It was really fun reading the responses, seeing what makes Christmas for people.  

Now I'll let my friends take it away:

• Charity L. "Lol!!! No Jesus answers…Family and it makes winter more bearable... In the beginning anyway."  

• Marla S. "Family, food, decorations, lights and winter!"  

• Arlene H. "The "Rat Pack" Christmas music and knowing I have all my ornaments bought, wrapped and sent off to my all my grands. 12 now, and one great. Whew!!"  

• Mica J. "Hot chocolate and Christmas lights!"  

• Milu H. "Family time, lights, decorations and gifts!"  

• Faye W. "Watching Janell get hysterical…"  

• Donna V. "My "love language" is gifts so I LOVE to give gifts. And I love it when I nail it and get just the perfect thing for someone! I love that we do communion together as soon as we get up and I like that we watch the Disney Parade as a famjam. And we spend the whole day together. This year…hot tub time! I like the hors d'oeuvres meal we have and I like the duck at dinner and the duck soup made with the leftovers.  Oh and I like the cheesy Christmas movies that are on TV through the month of December in front of the cozy fireplace. Also when the kids were little my favorite part of the day was baking Jesus a birthday cake. PS. I like  that you preempted that with "no Jesus answers" because, you're right, that would have been every one's first answer (that's a no brainer). I guess, for me, it all boils down to family. Whatever we do or not don't do, as long as we're together…that's enough for me." 

• Janae S. "Giving gifts, Christmas lights, and Michael Buble. Oh and "Nothing Like Christmas" by Anthem Lights." 

• Barbara S. "The joy on my children's faces seeing all the festivities!"

• Misty M. "Family making memories, decorating, sugar cookies with the kids..surprises, sharing little things to remind someone they are special....smiles, hugs and sharing...preparing the meals...being together!"

• Julie R. " Sparkling lights, listening to my Boys to Men Christmas album from many years ago and watching all our Christmas movies."

• Sandra H. "Spending time with my family! Going around to different houses and businesses and looking at Christmas lights and decorations! Cooking and baking! Talking about old times! Christmas music! Having FUN with my FAMILY!!"

• Rowena P. "The spirit of Christmas. Even those who are not believers get swept up and into it, for some it brings joy for others it brings sadness of not having loved ones around. Which opens a door for me to share my joy, peace, love and happiness with them by giving gifts that bring a smile. And there is nothing like singing carols with family, trimming the tree putting up the Christmas lights, driving around looking at all the lights on homes. Watching Christmas productions."

• Renee C. "I LOVE the smells of Christmas! The holiday spice candles...the smell of food we only eat during the festive season. The smell of snow in the air (which I miss so much living in Australia) the smell of a fresh cut Christmas tree. Ahhh... the pine! And I love the decorations. Christmas truly is the season for all our senses to come alive!"

• Cindy L. "Making cut out Christmas cookies with the grand kids!!!!"

• Marilyn F.  "All of the above and also celebrating your birthday Janell!" 

• Edna S. "I love the way so many people's hearts are thoughtful and joyful and at peace."

• Brenda L. "The hustle and bustle of shopping for that perfect gift. The preparation of dinner all the smell of Christmas in the air."

• Catherine B. "Watching the original Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer... well basically all the Christmas movies new or old also getting to spend time with family and eating the food!!"

• Georgene E."I love outdoor Christmas lights/decorations and Christmas trees, snow, and candlelight service on Christmas Eve. And all Christmas carols."

• Nancy P."I love putting up the Christmas tree. The ornaments have special meanings and the lights are beautiful. Contrary to popular belief (my grandson's in particular ) I did not kill the red birds on my tree."

• Suzanne K. "Lights. Christmas tree/decorating the house. Christmas movies 24/7. Baking cookies. Driving around looking at lights. All things Christmas really!!! Snow."

Thank you to everyone who shared, I LOVED hearing your answers! Now here are some of mine:

So what are some of your favorite things about Christmas? Share them here or on Facebook and Instagram with the hash tag #janellschristmascountdown and better yet, ask this question at the dinner table or while driving in the car with your family!