I Wonder What the Holidays Bring?

The Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's holiday triumvirate is my favorite time of year. I love the eating, the traveling, the finding of the perfect gift, and the starting over. For me, the holidays always bring excitement and childlike wonder. There's no telling what Santa Claus or Superman will leave under the tree for me, but there are many things that the holidays are always guaranteed to bring.

The movie Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Christmas carols playing in the background while Superman and I decorate the Christmas tree (and "discuss" whether the lights should be white or colored). Holiday office parties that are sure to embarrass at least one person and are usually attended halfheartedly (but at least there is usually food! And a bar! And maybe Christmas bonuses?). Christmas cookies! The anticipation of Christmas morning being so overwhelming that I can't sleep past 5 a.m. Receiving holiday cards from friends and family (and my hand hurting from addressing holiday cards). Wondercat will chew on the Christmas tree when he thinks we are not paying attention -- the dead giveaway will be the crackling sound of artificial tree clamped between his teeth. Unpredictable weather. Candy canes. The Santa tracker. Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the spending of way too much money. Squeals of delight when the gift they've been wanting most is finally opened. Hugs (there are always a lot of hugs during the holidays). The food (there is always so much darn food and candy(!) during the holidays) and the inevitable weight gain. Hot chocolate (with candy canes!). Traditions come alive again. Superman will attempt to reclaim his "Best Gift Giver" award again. Reporters reporting live from the airports to talk about the crazy holiday travels and about how busy the airports will be/are. Stockings will be hung with care. Santas will be in malls all over the country so that children can whisper their lists to him (or get awfully funny pictures with him that often entail crying). Magic will be in the air.

I think what I love most of all is the spirit that surrounds the holidays. It is as if the world is overtaken by a joyfulness that can't be shaken until the spell is broken by the clock striking midnight on New Year's Eve. Ah, the holidays.