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Why I Love Holidays (aside from the obvious)






Do you know what I love most of all about holidays? Just how completely ridiculous they are. I mean really, who came up with the idea to decorate a pine tree in baubles and leave it in the living room? Or to eat chocolate in the shape of rabbits? Or to dress up in scary costumes and go to people’s homes and demand that they give them candy?

Like I said, ridiculous. BUT that is what makes them so fun!

Take Tuesday for example. It was Melbourne Cup Day in Australia. Basically it’s a horse race for all of the Australians that don’t bet on horses and don’t particularly give two hoots about any of it. But on this one day we all wear fascinators, drink a lot, bet on horses, and then proceed to yell in excitement when the race comes on.

Holidays are the one time when even the grumpiest of adults joins in the fun and celebrate for no good reason other than that they can. As a country, sometimes even as a world, we throw up our hands and act like the most excitable of children.

And that is what I love the most. The sense of community. That unspoken agreement that on that day we are unrestrained by time and deadlines, that we are free to be happy and in love with life without the guilt that, sadly, so many people seem to feel.

I think that if the holidays weren’t kind of ridiculous; weren’t filled with glittering lights, strange traditions passed down through the ages, and food in odd shapes; that they wouldn’t be nearly as special. Because if the world can celebrate things like this with so much gusto? 

Well then maybe the world is not so bad after all.

Comments

Sara Louise said…
Any holiday that comes with fascinators sounds pretty spectacular to me!
Miss H said…
All holidays are awesome!
ellie said…
Holidays are something to look forward too. And there is always drinking. Or so it seems in my family.

My mom always liked for us to try different foods at certain holidays. Especially, if it had to do with different countries. Sometimes, we'd turn our noses up, but now I appreciate it.
lucy and sarah said…
You are so right about the holidays. I think you really have to embrace it with your friends and family. It doesn't have to get that expensive. Just enjoy each other's company.
molly said…
Sounds like you have some sweet holidays. And it seems we are off running with all the celebrating to begin now.

Sweet post!
Melbourne Cup Day sounds like so much fun! :D
kimbirdy said…
aw, what a sweet post! and it's so true. all of it. holidays ARE ridiculous... and fun, and wonderful, and promotes connection with your fellow man, and the best excuse around to stop work. i wish it didn't require a holiday from time to time for people to take a break, come together, and tap into their inner child. i think we'd all be better off if we made that a regular part of our life.
Tuesdai Noelle said…
"Holidays are the one time when even the grumpiest of adults joins in the fun and celebrate for no good reason other than that they can."

This is true. It's also a time when my mind starts to think, "Yes, the year is coming to a close and I don't have to see another ONE like this one!" I don't know why my mind always goes there once a holiday arrives. I'm grateful for a family and sound mind mostly :)
vintch said…
oh goodness, do i love the holidays too. so, so much!

p.s. you're on my blog today! hooray!
Bonnie said…
I think this is kind of the same reason why I love the holidays. They are just super fun and crazy and busy and awesome.

http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
Twitter: @GlamKitten88
Paige Hadley said…
I totally agree, and Christmas is so much my favourite holiday of all because of the pervading sense of joy and community that begins so long beforehand. I adore fairylights and I fill with joy when Christmas carols take over the radio channels and the overhead in the grovery store... I love the food that we buy - sparkling apple juice which we never buy otherwise, turkey with that glorious cranberry and apple stuffing - the party crackers and the paper crowns and lame jokes that fall out of them, and the scramble to trade the plastic knick-knack with the person across from you. Volunteering to accompany the primary school's Christmas strings performance at the old people's home, 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens, all the Christmas movies that play every night that you've never heard of. It's spectacular!
a!k0 said…
I never thought of it that way but so true :D and holidays are always awesome!! IT's a holiday this monday and I am so happy :D Have a wonderful weekend!

x0x0

lifelittlesurprises.blogspot.com
I love holidays too! And I am especially excited for this holiday season! I love the fact that there are so many other people celebrating the same thing. it really is like one big celebration, creating that community like you mentioned.
keishua said…
Holidays are great because they give people an excuse not to be so me-centered. Ideally, they help us connect with other and bring out the best in us.
Ashley said…
Please, OH PLEASE tell me you've seen this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJAxRVeKnTE

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