We haven’t put up one Christmas bulb or decoration yet, but I am thinking of how to make Christmas more special this year.
When I say special, I mean remembering that “Christ,” is in the word “Christmas.”
The wheels began turning last night when I wandered through department stores looking for Christmas cards that ‘spoke’ to me. And I found them too, at Hallmark.
There are 20 days to Christmas and they’ll blur by if we forget to take the time to slow down and enjoy the hours and days of the holiday season.
This list is just a beginning. Perhaps you can share your ideas in the comments.
How to spend the remaining 20 days to Christmas:
1-Carry on a tradition and share. Mine is to make tamales and champurrado.
2-Hug more and not just your spouse or significant other. Smile too.
3-Spend time with your parents or anyone over 70 that has a story to tell you about a Christmas memory.
4-Scent your home with the inviting fragrance of cinnamon, pine, or sugar cookies. I like to stick cloves in oranges.
6-Decorate your home or someone else’s with a living plant. I found this colorful gem at Lowe’s.
Christmas Cactus alvaradofrazier.com
7-Send out Christmas cards with a handwritten inspirational quote.
8-Forgive. Apologize. Try to understand.
9-Read a Christmas book to your own or someone else’s children. No kids? Read to yourself, aloud. One of my favorites is Olive the Other Reindeer.
10-Wear something ‘Christmasy,’ even if it’s that not so pretty holiday sweater someone gave you.
11-Buy or make a new holiday ornament for someone else.
12-Share a holiday drink with someone: Peppermint Mocha, mulled wine, champurrado.
13-Sing along to holiday songs, wherever you may be.
14-Try a new holiday food from a different culture: France, Spain, Germany, Italy…
15-Get out in nature. Taste falling snow. If you’re in Southern California, like me, find yourself some shaved ice or a raspada as we call them in Spanish. This year I’ll be in Denver for Christmas where I’m sure I’ll find snow.
16-Bake a holiday sweet that you’ve never baked before and share.
17-Visit a church or place of worship for their holiday message, choir, or play.
18-Say “I love you,” “I appreciate you,” “Thank you,” twice as often.
19-Donate coats, sweaters, gloves to those in need. Drop your coins into the Salvation Army kettle. Contribute to Toys for Tots or similar program.
20-Pray and work for peace.
Enjoy your weekend!
alvaradofrazier.com 
Dang, now THAT’S a GREAT X-MAS list! Thank you!!
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Thank you, Juan. You’re the only other person I’ve heard, beside my siblings, that use the word “Dang.”
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I love your list because it applies to everyone. It is a season I always take comfort in even though I am not Christian. My son comes to Colorado to visit for a week and we celebrate Hanukkah together, then go to relatives homes for a Christmas celebration. I like to do as you say keep traditions by making him is favorite Swedish pancakes from his grandfather’s heritage, and baking of bread from my mother’s. It is a good time to be loving and kind to all. I wish you and your family awonderful holiday season…and I wish I had your recipe for TAMALES!!!!
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Suzi, thank you for sharing your traditions. I have to go to Solvang, CA to get swedish pancakes, so yummy! For a tamale recipe go to one of my old posts:https://alvaradofrazier.com/2012/12/20/five-important-ingredients-for-the-best-tamales/
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Nice list and I like your post from December 18 last year. Maybe add to the list to tell people that you meet the Mexican legend about Pepita and the Poinsettia ad Christmas. Best wishes to you and your family.
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Thank you for your kind words. The best of the season to you and yours.
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What a lovely cactus! I’m trying to make sure that we instill traditions and significance to Christmas as well. I don’t want the kids to always associate December with receiving presents (or worse, holiday stress).
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Love your 20 ways to celebrate the season! This period can be hectic but if we focus on what really matters, it can be peaceful and meaninful. I love your plant!
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