Santa Claus is coming to town!
My, my, how this month has flown! I didn't realize that so much time had passed since my last blog post. I think I was having a bit too much fun over the summer. Between all of the summer vacations, the day trips, and the clients, it feels like July was only a couple of months ago!
One of my most favorite holidays is Christmas Day. The snow, the hot cocoa, the decorations, the fire in the fireplace, and of course the presents! I don't like the holiday just for the presents though. And not just because Christmas Day is my birthday. To answer your question - my birthday is normal most of the time and my presents are split between Christmas and Birthday, of course. Sometimes I go out on my own for my birthday if I want a change, and other times I spend time with family. Every year is different! This year - I am going to McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale, Oregon from December 24th to the 26th and having a semi-lazy holiday. Plus experiencing the outdoor hot soak pool. If you've never been, definitely try to go! It's amazing!
The reason why I like Christmas is mostly for the inner child experience of wonder and nostalgia. I've always appreciated the Christmas movies my family would play every year, sometimes for days, until Christmas Day. There were times we would play them after Christmas until New Years too! It all depended on how we felt. One of my most favorite Christmas memories was when my grandmother took me to see the Nutcracker Play in Portland, Oregon when I was about ten years old. It's been a traditional staple of mine since then.
Now that I am older, and turning thirty-eight this year, I am more focused on personal experiences with Christmas. While it doesn't mean I won't be spending time with anyone in my family, it does mean that I am spending more time with myself to develop a better personal relationship with who I am and prioritizing my self-care. Even the holidays can be stressful, so taking a break from the norm from time to time is usually a good reset. Plus - I've always wanted to go to another country for Christmas!
I am planning the biggest birthday celebration I possibly could for my 40th in 2026! I have a few ideas in mind - most of which are out of country. Do I travel to Finland Netherlands to see the Northern Lights, surrounded by snow, and stay in an ice hotel? Do I travel to the Netherlands for more of the traditional story of Santa? Or perhaps I will go see the world's first Christmas tree in Tallinn, Estonia and enjoy the medieval architecture as I peruse through the Christmas markets.
Whatever I decide to do, I know it will be big. Whether I stay within state lines, or get my US Passport and Tourist Visa ready, my plan is to experience Christmas in the best way possible! What are some of your favorite memories and traditions of Christmas?
