Baby It's Cold Outside

I am not a big fan of winter. This is primarily because I do not enjoy being cold. Hence why I live in Texas. However, since I wrote my 10 favorite things about a season I do love, I figure I should try and be positive and write my 10 favorite things about this season as well. Here’s what I came up with, had to stretch it a bit…

10. Downtown Fort Worth at Christmas Time – This is the time of year where Fort Worth puts up a huge beautiful tree in the middle of downtown and Christmas lights are everywhere. The Pier1 Building even lights up its roof with green and red (replacing the perfect purple that previously was there to honor TCU), which makes running on the trail particularly fun at sunset. I have been known to drive out of my way at this time of year just to admire the decorations.

9. Scents – I love the smells of winter. Fires burning, pine trees, all Christmas candles, cookies…mmmm.. What’s not to like?

8. Coats and Scarves – This is the time of year where the fall coat is put away (some days at least) and the winter coats come out. (Remember I have a slight obsession with coats). Since I spend the majority of the season in this clothing (especially in my classroom where there is no heat), it is extremely important. Still looking to add to my collection this year...
I also love scarves. But only if they are soft, itchy just doesn’t make a girl happy. Cuteness is important as well. Warmth follows next.

7. Starbucks – This is the time of year I make the switch away from iced coffee. It is the only season where warm drinks get such attention from this customer. Every thing about Starbucks in the winter makes me happy. Special drinks. WARMTH. Christmas cups. Love it.

6. Christmas Hockey Song – You will realize why this is so important in number 3, but I’ll explain a little here too. Every year the Stars create a special video montage put to “Carol of The Bells” (rock version of course) to play before games. Just gets you in the spirit of Christmas…and great hockey hits…(side note - the fact that hockey is a part of winter is important as well)

5. Tacky Christmas – The Tacky Christmas sweater party I throw yearly with two of my great friends has become one of my favorite traditions. Every year it is fantastically tacky. Just wouldn’t be Christmas anymore without it.

4. Bowl Season – While it is quite sad to see the college football season come to an end, the winter ushers in the exciting culmination of all the work done in the fall (even if that work has not been properly appreciated – just saying).

3. Music – Christmas music. Enough said. Okay we all know I can’t be that short, but I’ll stop after this - it’s the only time of year you can play it and it makes my life a little better for 4 weeks.

2. Giving gifts – I absolutely love giving people gifts. It is so much fun to try and find something that lets someone know how special they are to you. The more meaningful the better. I get so excited about giving people their Christmas presents I can hardly stand it.

1. Christmas – It’s the thing that makes this season bearable. Despite not liking winter, it gets major points for containing my absolute FAVORITE holiday. I realize a lot of my numbers already have to do with this holiday but oh well. From decorating the tree, to seeing my kids get excited (even if it is a little too much at times), to the music, to being with family, there’s nothing about this holiday I don’t love. Plus, most importantly, it is a celebration of the Lord I love so much, none of the rest of this matters much in comparison to that.

Here's to trying to enjoy this time of year and stay warm! Only 2 1/2 months until Spring...