Christmas day is good and all, but what I really love is looking forward to Christmas. I’ve been anticipating Christmas since September, so I thought at first to share a traditional holiday bucket list. Putting together my holiday bucket list, I was pretty hyped. But looking back on the predictable list of holiday markets I wanted to shop at, desserts I wanted to bake, and films I wanted to watch was uninspiring. Plus, I had already made my way through a good portion of those activities on my list, and was ready to charge full steam ahead to make it through the rest of my bucket list in record time, leaving me more time to write about them for the blog and tackle the daunting challenge of Blogmas. But that’s not what holiday bucket lists are about. They’re not assignments to tick off; they’re about creating magical holiday experiences. So here are three magical holiday moments I’m speaking into existence.
Gift wrapping & letter writing
It’s only late afternoon, but already the sun is setting and the neighbourhood is quiet. My Christmas playlist jingles through the silence, followed by my voice singing mindlessly off-key because I only know half the words. The passing sun sets my room in a warm glow for a few minutes, and then my candles take over with a little boost from the overlooking string lights hanging from the ceiling. I’m sitting on the ground, wrapped in my favourite Christmas cardigan sweater, sipping on hot chocolate and surveying the packages around me. I think of all the people who mean something to me and pen letters in my notebook, spending time with each person in my head. When I’m ready, I take the pen from my journal to the holiday cards.
Ice skating
People swirl all around me, but my eyes are glued to the ice as I take my first wobbly steps. I shuffle along the edge of the rink and gradually work up the confidence to lengthen my glide. I throw in a swizzle. And take it backwards. I let loose, forget about the ice beneath me, and look around for the first time. Families, friends, and strangers skate together. Some are happy enough standing outside the rink, looking in. Pop music livens everyone up, and joy feeds joy. Under my scarf, smiles and laughter keep me warm. Some escape to form a small mist at my breath. The chilly winter breeze nips at my nose. I scrunch it up, release, and feel it slide numbly into place at a glacial pace. Easing off the rink, I duck into the cabin for piping hot cider.
A platonic airport scene
My skin feels a little dry and my hair is a little disheveled. I roll out into Arrivals and search for familiar faces. We catch eyes. I stretch an extra-wide, toothless smile of acknowledgement and keep my steady walk — hold the dramatic run and orchestra. When my parents hug me, I’m a kid again. It feels like a burden has been released, and I pass over my suitcase as well. We exchange a flurry of words. There’s too much to catch up on about the past and too much to wonder about the future, but the present is enough to keep us preoccupied. I pull a silly face to deter the camera, but my dad snaps a shot anyway. We consider grabbing drinks from the airport Starbucks; my brothers opt for frappuccinos, and the rest of us make more sensible decisions. Together we step out into the smoky streets of Beijing.
What do you look forward to during the holidays?
PS: I’m giving Blogmas a go! Let me know in the comments if there’s anything you’d like to see on the blog (ू•ᴗ•ू❁)