Why Do The Holidays Bring So Much Joy?

I'm sitting on the couch, mindlessly picking away at the dust on my armrest. I hear the pitter-patter of water against the shower curtain, but what catches me off guard is a faint sound. I get off of the couch and walk towards the bathroom, placing my ear against the door. The sound becomes more prominent. It's Christmas music. The day was November 13th.

In other households, Christmas music on November 13th may sound strange, absurd, or even downright unacceptable. But at my house, we welcome it. In fact, we encourage it. It is never too early to start celebrating Christmas. The holidays are our favorite time of the year, and we are always counting down the days. It is the one thing that we can count on to keep us going--every single year. But what makes the holidays so enjoyable? Why do people get all riled up and giddy over a single day in a year? 

The holiday season is a time where many people find contentment. Despite the occasional Grinches, so many people find joy during the holidays. Whether it is the family traditions or simple festivities, people typically find them so enjoyable because of all the positive memories associated with the times. Some of my best memories are memories of different Christmases. I, for one, am a sucker for the festivities. I love putting up the Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving and spending time with my siblings while we put up eclectic ornaments as Mariah Carey blesses our ears. I love baking all the Christmas-themed goods, the fond characters of Rudolph and Frosty, and the prominent flavors of gingerbread and peppermint. I love the claymation films from the '70s and the endless repeats of Elf all showing on Freeform's 25 Days of Christmas. This is another thing that makes the holidays so enjoyable: it revolves around love. It may be the season of giving, yet love is a driving force. People are reunited with their family and friends. They find connection and warmth in their loved ones, and the holidays may be the only time of the year that they can share these moments. 

Unfortunately, the biggest Grinch and naughtiest of them all this year is COVID-19. Many people depend on the holidays to lift their spirits and bring glee to the rough year of 2020. However, "the most wonderful time of the year" may actually be the worst for some. This year, people may not be able to gather with loved ones. There may be 5 fewer chairs at your table than usual. There may be an empty jar instead of one full of your grandma's gingerbread cookies. While it is difficult to not be in the presence of your kin and friends, don't let it stop you from enjoying the holidays the best you can. Watch Santa Claus virtually with your cousins. Have dinner with your extended family over Zoom! Stay safe, but continue to enjoy the happiest season of all!