The Holiday House...

There is something so inviting and stimulating about the holiday season. Holiday anthems infuse the world around us replacing our typical theme song all month long. From the world being set on fire by vibrant colors to diamonds falling from the clouds cooling the world down. A white sheet collects the sounds from our normal frantic lives and quiets the world bringing forth a sense of comfort and calm. Despite the energetic snow that falls, winter offers probably the most traditions and celebrations just in time to conclude the year. This season which is anticipated by most and romanticized year around is constantly being described by writers of films, music, books, and poems alike as a holiday full of frozen fairy dust and warm, comfortable feelings. But, what do those words mean? How can a holiday full of everyday actions and cold weather be described as mythical and calm? Well, yes, our typical world may not change and the weather may become dark and brisk, but it is the way that this holiday season can infuse our emotions to be picked up into a trance of finding the bright side of life.

Sweetening The Holiday

Growing up my family was exposed to a few flavors of Christmas. We had most of our Christmases in Colorado, where our home was turned into a gingerbread house and carols and Christmas movies charmed our ears. Holiday treats were a must, often provided by a few elves of the house, my sister and I. Fudge was a staple. My mom would always make the best fudge every year and if you weren’t already convinced that Christmas was the sweetest time of year, then this would convince you otherwise. To carry the sweets further, muddy buddies were next in line. My aunt always made wreath cookies; beautifully decorated rice crispy treats, but cornflakes replaced those snap crackle pops ordained with green food coloring and arranged in a ring to create the wreath shape. On top of those, we would bake bread, gingerbread or sugar cookies glazed with that classic royal icing. Through the years, on Christmas morning, my parents would surprise the family with a bowl of some unexpected chocolates. And to carry on a tradition from my mom's childhood, they would put an orange or cutie in the bottom of our stockings. That tradition still lives on to this day. Here are some recipes that look good because unfortunately, I don’t have our typical family holiday recipes that we have collected throughout the years. We have tried to make things as vegan as possible, but for those of you who are not, here are some recipes that have caught my eye. Classic fudge, wreath cookies, orange cran bread, pumpkin bread, zucchini bread, muddy buddies, gingerbread, and those classic sugar cookies and icing.

Family Traditions

Now, like most families, the season starts with an infiltration of lights ordaining banisters, mantles, trees, and houses looking like fireflies who froze to their surroundings. We are no different. The tree would be built (we are a family that is in support of fake trees), lights would be wrapped around like frosting on a cake, and the whole family would come together and add their ornaments that we have received every year onto the tree. Every Christmas eve, my parents would pick out an ornament for each of us to open on Christmas eve. This has been going on since our first Christmases. The idea is that once we move out and have the opportunity to dress up our own tree, we will be able to retrieve our ornament box to kick start our holiday decorations. Zooming out from the tree, the rest of the house would be layered, creating one's mind to believe they were transported into a Hallmark movie. One of my favorite things to do as the nights tackled you with cold, was to drive around looking at Christmas lights outlining homes. In Kauai, it is not as common to see lights coating homes, but in Colorado, it’s expected. The nights were made a little brighter by the artistic stylings of the lights. We were always the house that helped the world compete with the moon. Carols played consistently and sleds were our P.E. during school. As we grew older, and Christmas evolved from Santa Clause to exciting memories, we began experimenting with our holiday. One year we spent Christmas in London, which was fun in the moment and aged better with time.

Polar Opposites

Ok, so Christmas in Colorado was typically your traditional white Christmas. We had snowmobiles, my mom would throw blankets into the dryer so we could curl up once we came in from the cold, we would go ice skating, and spend time with family. Coats, gloves, sweaters, and boots tried their best to fend off the chill. Rosy cheeks were all the rage and thick missed matched socks were considered high fashion. Stores and malls were filled with the hustling and bustling of busy people walking past beautifully decorated shops. Snow plows and blizzards were the one guest that never wanted to leave. But in contrast, we also experienced what a tropical holiday can be. Christmas in Hawaii is filled with North shore swells, a fair amount of rain, and an explosive amount of extras enjoying the island. Christmas morning the sun shares everyone's excitement while shining a spotlight on each moment. People spend more time together celebrating this energetically calming season. And mall Santa wears slippers (or as most call them, flip flops). Both are fun and respond with late sunrises and quick sunsets. Bringing similarity to otherwise polar opposite climates.

Contradictory

Despite where one might live, Christmas is a season of every emotion. With the quickly moving parts of this holiday, it can bring the energy to a higher level. But, while the curtain of clouds hovers over our busyness, it can quiet our tones. Snow will also absorb the sounds of the world around giving the earth water and a coating that no man can recreate. The way the water that falls from the sky, whether liquid or frozen, can allow a new canvas to coat our everyday territory. Providing a sparkle to mesmerize us giving our brains the signal to cuddle up. We feel busy accomplishing our tasks, yet peaceful in the reason we celebrate. Songs set the tone and our imaginations carry us the rest of the way. Christmas is one day of the year, but what captivates us into preparing are those moments that lead up to the day we celebrate Jesus. It’s the little things that cause more and more movies to be born and why everyone explores the topic of love. It’s communities and families coming together to laugh and be with one another. It is a time to review the past months and anticipate the year to come.

It’s the Holiday Season

Family, memories, traditions, and beauty surround our days. We romanticize and label this the season for hope, joy, love, miracles, and happiness because it brings forth a feeling of gratitude and optimism. As I get older and traditions shift and flying reindeer stay within the borders of my screen, Christmas begins to feel less of a receiving holiday and more of one spent giving, laughing, and cherishing moments with people.

Hope you are all having a cozy December, and that you all enjoyed this past week. This is a fun and full month with lots of things to accomplish, but I hope you have been able to find time to fully explore the season and dance to those classic Christmas songs while drinking hot chocolate. If you like the Allie-way please remember to share it with someone. Follow @theallie.way on Instagram and subscribe to be the first to receive new posts. Thanks for reading Allie-Cats.

• Dru Allie