Alva James-Johnson: Christmas brings warm traditions

There's a chill in the air, but I'm not complaining. At least not yet. It's still early enough to appreciate the gradual change of seasons.

Just a few weeks ago, I went outside and counted about seven different colors in the foliage surrounding me. Now those leaves carpet the yard, and I spend my weekends raking them off the front lawn. Every season, you see, has its perks and peeves.

The first day of winter will arrive Dec. 21, just in time for Christmas. Though I hate cold weather, I'll still be in the "winter wonderland" mood and might even welcome a few flurries.

But by February, I will be ready for it to be over. And I'll spend the rest of the winter hibernating.

When my family moved from South Florida to Columbus 2½ years ago, I was the stubborn one who still hung on to the notion of a tropical Christmas. My husband and children wanted a change of seasons like we had living in Omaha, Neb. They just couldn't get into T-shirts and flip-flops at Christmastime. I didn't see their point then, but now it all makes sense, and I'm actually enjoying the winter chill, as long as I spend most of the time indoors.

So my family is taking advantage of the season. To celebrate Christ's birth, we play Christmas carols every chance we get and have already decked the house with icicle lights and green garland. The girls whisper behind our backs about Christmas presents, and the family is still debating whether the Christmas tree should be real or artificial.

Earlier this week, we went to see the girls perform in a Christmas program at Calvary Christian School. The stage was decked with Christmas trimmings and the choirs warmed our hearts with traditional Christmas classics such as "Go Tell it on the Mountain," "We Need a Little Christmas," "A Merry Carol of the Bells" and, of course, the "Hallelujah Chorus." Talk about heaven. All the students did an amazing job.

But what I like most about this time of year are the hours the family can spend together. The girls and I will be singing Christmas music with a women's chorale at Columbus First Adventist Church next weekend. It is an honor to sing with my two teenage daughters, especially considering that they don't always want me tagging along.

The girls and I are also really into Hallmark movies. Our favorite is "Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade." Even though Thanksgiving has passed, we'll watch it again, along with Christmas-themed romantic comedies.

Sappy movies are not really my husband's cup of tea, but he's a good sport and joins in just for the fun. My mother-in-law is also usually right there with us, trying to stay awake as movie nights turn into marathons, fireplace crackling in the background.

Those are just some of the family traditions we've developed over the years. And it really doesn't matter what the weather is doing outdoors, as long as there's warmth inside.

It's just a great time of year. So enjoy!

Alva James-Johnson, 706-571-8521. Reach her on Facebook at AlvaJamesJohnsonLedger.

This story was originally published December 11, 2014 at 6:30 PM with the headline "Alva James-Johnson: Christmas brings warm traditions."