Celebrating the Best Holiday: A Personal Journey Through Four Seasons of Joy

When people ask me which holiday I'd pick if I had to celebrate only one, it's a tough decision. Each holiday brings its own unique flavor and memories, making it hard to choose just one. But after some careful consideration, I've settled on my favorite: Christmas.

Christmas Year-Round

I love Christmas so much that I celebrate it year-round. I have Christmas decorations, from a small tabletop tree to fairy lights on my curtain rods. I listen to classical carols and enjoy the lights and decorations throughout the year. I even sing along to "Green the Whole Year Round" and "Christmas Pipes" all year long, making me feel like it's always Christmas time.

For me, Christmas is about family, music, and enjoying the warmth of the holiday season. It's a time to gather with loved ones and create cherished memories. But why stop there? Christmas isn't just for one specific time of year. It's a mindset that I embrace all the time.

Australia's Christmas: A Summer Celebration

Australia's Christmas is a unique and exciting experience. It falls in the summer, not the typical winter holiday for many other countries. The weather is warm, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C. Beaches are a popular destination, and people enjoy swimming and lying on the sand. Christmas carols add to the festive atmosphere, and delicious roast turkeys are a must.

Other highlights include the warm nights, long days, and the odd TV sunsets starting at 8:30 PM. People often take extended leave to enjoy the holidays. If the Christmas tree is not adorned with edible treats, it's not completely decorated. For me, Christmas brings a mix of joy and nostalgia, along with challenging memories and obligations.

Long and Skinny Years

Back when I was younger, Christmas was a special time for me. As a member of a brass band, we performed carol shows and street parades. These performances were always memorable and gave me a chance to mingle with musicians of all ages. During these performances, I was not snobby, but a humble member of the band, sharing in the joy of music. However, my life took a different path when I became a senior in school and joined the Sydney Youth Orchestra. My last Christmas Eve as a resident of Sydney was spent playing on national TV in front of a large audience, marking the end of an era.

Since then, Christmas has taken on many different forms. In 2006, it snowed during the summer! In 2013, I moved into a new house just before Christmas and then had to do furniture shopping on Boxing Day. Sometimes, I worked on Christmas day. Last year, I joined my dad's church for carol performances, which was a different and probably more meaningful experience.

Thanksgiving: A Time of Family and Gratitude

While Christmas holds a special place in my heart, Thanksgiving is also an important holiday for me. It's a time when I gather with my family, enjoy delicious meals, and reflect on the things I'm grateful for. The weather isn't as unpredictable as it can be in December, and the delicious leftovers from the main meal last for several days. These memories create a wonderful sense of family and togetherness that I truly cherish.

So, while my favorite holiday is undoubtedly Christmas, each of these holidays—Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Australia's Christmas—holds unique and special memories for me. They are moments to celebrate, reflect, and create lasting memories with loved ones.