"Magic" Traditions

"Christmas waves a magic want over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." ~Norman Peale

Christmas is hands down my favorite holiday. Ever. There's just something special about the holiday season. It is the time of year to spend with loved ones while remembering the reason for the season. But, there's also the memorable stuff. Like...

The catchy Christmas tunes that are only socially acceptable to play once a year (but who doesn't secretly listen to Alvin and the Chipmunks in July?) Baking Christmas cookies while eating so much cookie dough that you want to puke.  (Who listens to their mom about that kind of stuff?) Decking the halls and trimming the tree (with friendly arguments over which ornament goes where.) There's nothing more welcoming than the view of your lighted Christmas tree in your window. Also, the joy of ripping into a package, after throughly shaking it to determine its origins, is always thrilling. (The living room floor is usually covered by the end of the gift giving.) And, the thought of waking up to a white Christmas still gives me chills, even as a young adult. 

My roommates, bless their hearts, took all of my Christmas enthusiasm with good cheer. We had a coco and Christmas candy night where our neighbors helped us decorate our tree. It was safe to say that we had the largest Christmas tree in our college neighborhood. (I brought the tree along with me while home a weekend, it survived the three hour ride from the Brammer Farms!) Our house was transformed into a winter wonderland and my roomies and I even sent out our first Christmas card this year! 

College Christmas's are also about starting new traditions. Last year, I became close friends with an amazing group of my fellow freshman. For us, it was our first time away from our families during the holiday season. Most of us were agriculture majors and came from small towns. Admits the stress of our first finals week, we decided to host our own Christmas celebration, complete with a gift exchange and baked goods! This year, as sophomores, we continued our tradition. Some of us live on the same street and some live across town, but our Christmas celebration was a great way to connect again. 

We also started a new tradition by visiting the infamous Magic Tree of Columbia. The tree is designed by a local Columbia citizen who puts thousands of Christmas lights on a giant tree in the center of Columbia. The tree has become one of the many symbols of Columbia and no Mizzou college is complete without visiting. Many come to take pictures with their sweethearts, and there have been several proposals made under the glow of the lighted branches. Visiting the Magic Tree with friends was the perfect way to begin the Christmas season! 

Sophie Hyder, Tim Voss and myself spent an evening 

at the Magic Tree in Columbia, Mo. after finals week.