Do You Hear the Bell?



Christmas was not just a holiday in my house growing up: it was an institution, a frame of mind, and an over-the-top experience.



2012's Christmas Tree.

Growing up in a red-shuttered colonial in an idyllic suburb, our home turned into a Norman Rockwell when the weather would begin its chilly nosedive. My Mom was the main driver of this "real life snow globe" experience. Rules like "white lights outside, colored lights inside", "only play in the snow in the backyard", and "only the ugly cookies can be eaten by the family prior to Christmas Eve" can give you a small glimpse into the attention to detail my Mom had for creating the perfect atmosphere. It may sound a bit crazy, but it worked. To use a Polar Express reference, there was never a Christmas where I couldn't hear the ringing of Santa's sleigh bell.



I've made crazy rules now, too:
the angel is always last.

Now that I am an adult and living away from all other family members, it falls to me to create a holiday atmosphere for myself while working full time on a "still at the start of my career" salary. I have found what helps most for me are classic holiday movies, music, and family traditions. Nothing can get me out of a Scrooge state of mind like Frosty the Snowman (preferably the VHS from my childhood that also has the 1990 commercials recorded on it), Mannheim Steamroller, and hanging the ornaments on the felt advent calendar my Mom made decades ago. These comforts get me my Christmas mojo back just enough to take on bigger tasks like making my family's favorite caramel swirled chocolate covered pretzels, knitting presents, and decorating my tree.

These things are addicting.

I had a rocky start, but I think I'm there now- I can hear the bell. Can you?