'TIS THE SEASON!

By now I'm sure you've noted that subtle shift in the air; there's a general excitement slowly seeping into our lives as we realize the holiday season is upon us again!

So I feel compelled to express a few small things that I am simply enraptured by this time of year, "insider tips to the holiday spirit," if you will. Here are my top 5...

5) Department stores.

Sure it's all motivated by cold commercialism, but I love going shopping around all the untouched merchandise, listening to the Christmas music and seeing the opulent displays. The holiday force remains strong in retail.

4) Hot Chocolate.

There is really no comparison...hot chocolate has a singular way of spreading warmth while winter winds blow. Best when topped with copious amounts of marshmallows, hot chocolate is to winter what lemonade is to summer, and apple cider is to fall. Sorry spring. I’m kind of drawing a blank…

3) Christmas Lights.

Whoever started this did the world a favor! In the thick of the season, it's not uncommon for Andrew and I to occupy a Friday night driving around just looking at Christmas decorations. Oh, and have you all noticed the inflatable craze that's been sweeping across the nation in recent years? I still find them pretty lame and tacky, but who knows? Maybe this year I'll develop a taste for over-sized snow globes filled with inflated Santas and artificial snow.

2) "Sleigh Ride."

Oh good heavens. Where to begin? I wait all year to hear the orchestral version of this Christmas classic, and each time I do, feel an overwhelming rush of jubilation. Do yourself a favor and go listen to the Mannheim Steamroller version. Seriously, right now - I'll make it easy.

1) SNOW.

Nothing quite captures the season as well as this frozen precipitation. Even a mere forecast will do! Just the thought evokes a childlike euphoria (perhaps rooted in the glorious institution of snow days)! Falling snow is accompanied by such reverent tranquility... an unmatched pristine quality. Outside of all the potentially lethal road hazards it creates, it really is the perfect compliment to the season.

And that, my friends is my seasonal top five. Feel free to share your thoughts and feelings, and have a very merry Christmas!

- Sarah