December- what a busy, wonder-full, beauty-full, awe-full (in a good way) month!

The month of December seems to fly by with all the events going on, but it truly is a month full of joy if one takes the time to slow down and think about it.

Here are 10 things about December that truly light-up the inner joy within me—see if any resonate with you!

#1: The First Holiday Snow

When that first snow hits in December, there is something truly magical about it!

To see the world covered in a blanket of white powder, it truly reminds you of the beauty of Mother Earth. To see the amazing world around us made into something brand new with the covering of snow is something nothing short of amazing.

Come late winter/early spring, snow tended to lose its magic for me growing up. But, that first snow, always filled (and still does!) me with this sense of excitement and wonder!

I found this awesome quote that really seems to sum up the feelings of that first winter snow.

“Snow flurries began to fall and they swirled around people’s legs like house cats. It was magical, this snow globe world.” -Sarah Addison Allen

#2: Saint Nicholas Day

Celebrated on December 6th, Saint Nicholas Day or the Feast of Sinterklass is a day dedicated to celebrating Saint Nicholas.

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac,

“St. Nicholas was a bishop who was known for his good deeds, especially for the needy and children. He often gave generously and anonymously (without anyone knowing the gifts were from him).” -Old Farmer’s Almanac

In the book, Mrs. Sharp’s Traditions, the author Sarah Ban Breathnach depicts the legend of Saint Nicholas as, “riding around his white horse down from heaven, [and] pay[…][ing] nocturnal visits to children on the eve of his birthday [December 5th] to prepare their hearts for the coming of Christ Child”.

Breathnach continues on to say that, “For parents who feel frustrated by the fact that Santa Claus’s visits inevitably overshadows their religious observance of the birth of Christ, a visit from Saint Nicholas can help tremendously.”

Like I mentioned in my post on 10 Joyful Things post for November, I don’t think one has to be Catholic or Christian to celebrate these more traditionally Christian/Catholic days. The premise of celebrating good deeds and giving is a wonderful universal theme!

Here are some ways to celebrate Saint Nicholas Day!

-St. Nicholas Day 2021

-Helpful Ideas for Families from Books & Articles

-10 Way to Celebrate Saint Nicholas Day

#3: The Sense of Wonder

There’s something about this time of the year when the feeling of wonder really comes up.

Interestingly, The Book of Joy cites a study that found the feeling of “wonder” to be one of feelings that makes up the feeling of “joy”!

According to Merriam-Webster , the word “wonder” can be defined as:

“[Wonder, noun:] something that is surprising or hard to believe” -Merriam-Webster

Maybe its the idea of relating to the inner child within us that was surprised during the holiday season, or maybe it’s seeing of that first holiday snow or perhaps it’s the feeling of seeing the world come together during the month of December that really ignites those feelings of surprise or hard to believe-ness that so many love about this month!

#4: The Music

There seems to be a debate about when everyone begins listening to holiday music, but- regardless of when-there is always such excitement when you begin listening to holiday music again!

For me, holiday music seems to ignite that inner sense of wonder, cheer, and…well…joy that this month is all about!

I always love to hear what others’ favorite songs are because it is so unique.

For me, I love “The Holly and the Ivy” and“I Saw Three Ships”. The song of “The Holly and the Ivy” takes me back to my childhood when the house was decorated, and I would pop in a Christmas music CD (throwback!). My favorite one was old English Christmas music and the first song was “The Holly and the Ivy”. Meanwhile, every year our church would put on a Christmas concert-and my favorite song the choir would sing was “I Saw Three Ships”.

Everyone has a favorite song they love to hear this time of the year- and it is fascinating to dive further into why. There always seems to be a story attached.

#5: Reunions of Family and Friends

This month is one where get-togethers seem to be more abundant than other months.

While that can certainly come with its challenges, I have found, personally, that leaning into feeling gratitude for my family and friends helps me to see the inner joy from getting to reunite with family and friends that I may not have been able to see at other points in the year.

One of my mom’s favorite Christmas movie scenes is in the movie Love Actually . The movie begins and ends with showing all the reunions occurring at the airport, and it truly brings such a smile to my face when I see it—what a powerful reminder of the love this month brings. You can watch it here!

#6: The Holiday Movies

Like holiday music, holiday movies bring up such a feeling of joy, cheer and wonder!

There’s something so magical about seeing what makes up this month put onto the screen.

Also, like holiday music, I love to ask others what their favorite holiday movie is because everyone has their own ones they enjoy year after year!

Here are some of my favorites:

• Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
• It’s a Wonderful Life
• Miracle on 34th Street
• The Polar Express (I grew up reading the book every year!)
• The 12 Gifts of Christmas
• ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
• A Heidelberg Holiday
• My Norwegian Holiday

#7: The Gift of Giving

Now that I am an adult, I have found that I truly find more pleasure in finding a gift that I think will bring someone joy and giving it to them than in actually receiving gifts from others.

I love being able to see something or look for something that I think will help show my family and friends that they are a special part of my life.

I love this quote about giving. It truly sums up the feeling of giving!

“There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.” -Khalil Gibran

Here’s some inspiration to get you in the giving-attitude:

• Read The Gift of the Magi: A Christmas classic that truly shows the love behind giving. 
• Check out these 72 Inspirational Quotes About Giving [JOY]
• Watch this short film on giving by Very called The Gift of Giving
• Plan your gifts for the season!
• Consider ways you can give something other than a physical object-the gift of time is one the best gifts there is!

#8: The Holidays Themselves

There’s something about the big day. The holiday itself. We spend weeks getting ready, preparing for it. And then, suddenly it’s here.

On the actual holiday day(s) itself/themselves, there seems to be a feeling of complete joy and that, maybe, the world feeling some of that joy as well!

Perhaps this quote below sums it up the best for now,

“Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling.” -Edna Ferber

The holidays are a time of cheer, kindness, giving, wonder, and pure joy. All beautiful things that we get to experience in our lifetimes during this magical time of the year.

I love this Salisbury ad from 2014— it truly encapsulates the feeling and meaning behind the holidays!

I also enjoy watching this Rick Steves’ documentary on how Christmas is celebrated across different countries in Europe. It is such a beautiful reminder of the power of this season across the world!

#9: Boxing Day

This is another new (to me) holiday that I want to celebrate this year! 

Boxing Day is celebrated the day after Christmas on December 26th. According to this post by Little Passports, while Boxing Day origins are unknown, it is believed the day came to be, “when the wealthy landowners would bring gifts of food or other necessities to the homes of people who worked for them. Many countries have continued this tradition of being generous to those who are in need at this time of year, but Boxing Day around the world has also changed to include other festivities and events.”

Check out this article on ways to celebrate this day!

#10: New Year’s Eve

I have always loved New Year’s Eve. It’s a day filled with celebrations for the year ending and the year to come.

In a way, it shows us the beauty in ending one thing and beginning another.

New Year’s Eve presents us the beautiful chance to bid farewell to the year and celebrate the new one coming in!

Here are some fun NYE celebration ideas:

• Watch the movie New Year’s Eve
• Throw coins up at midnight (it is supposed to guarantee good fortune in the coming year!)
• Check out this article on New Year’s around the world: 40 Ways to Celebrate New Year Traditions Around the World
• Listen to this beautiful rendition of Auld Langs Syne

BONUS #11: Winter Solistice

Winter Solstice- or the shortest day of the year- typically falls on either December 21st or 22nd when the Northern Hemisphere experiences the day with the least amount of daytime.

According to HISTORY.com , historically, this day has been one to use fire and light on this darkest day of the year. Through the ages, Winter Solstice has had its celebrations across cultures and regions— from the ancient Romans, the Norsemen, the Inca and more!

What’s something joyful about December to you? Comment below!