It truly is the season to be jolly. Christmas is approaching at a rapid pace and there’s nothing we can do about it. I’ve realized that America lives holiday after holiday. Fourth of July, Labor Day, Halloween, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and so on. It’s amazing to have things to celebrate, especially if they’re part of your country’s history. But Christmas is a whole other level. I’m a big pro on the holiday spirit and when December comes, I almost feel it in the air. I love the lights, the trees, the houses, the smell of burning wood coming for the chimneys, the cozy nights watching movies and, one thing in particular, everyone goes to their hometown. It gets flooded by the ones who go back home to their families and friends and it’s wonderful. I’m uber excited to be going there this year – since I haven’t been there in almost 5 months – and see everyone I want to see. I’m already making plans and figuring out what I want to do. But in my house, Christmas is a time to be together, play games, watch movies, eat, cook, go for walks on the beach and just enjoy each others company. I love buying the tree and decorating it. Every year, we used to get a huge tree but it’s been getting smaller over the years. I normally decorate it with my mom – if I’m there – and everything just feels (even) warmer. It’s also the time when we should give the most to those who need it. In Portugal, supermarkets welcome an association that invites people to buy and give them food. Seen as this is a holiday particularly based on food, I end up donating every time I go to the supermarket and it makes me feel like I’m contributing to someone else’s Christmas instead of only my own. Let’s get in the mood guys, Christmas is right around the corner and, this year, I can barely wait!