What is your favorite holiday? Why is it your favorite?

What’s your favorite holiday? I’ve heard discussions on this subject many times over the years. Most people I know will say Christmas. I can understand that. Whether it’s the anticipation built up by retail ads or religious beliefs, the joy of giving or receiving gifts, or the general atmosphere surrounding the holiday, there’s a lot to love. Whether you’re Christian or not, the holiday spirit can infect you.

Like Christmas, Thanksgiving rates high on the lists of people’s favorites. Both of these holidays usually involve extended families often getting together to celebrate. There are traditional foods that are shared. It seems almost all families have an older relative’s recipe that must be shared. Traditions are the cornerstones of these holidays.

The romantics among us may choose Valentine’s Day. Florists, candy makers and suppliers, and jewelers love this holiday celebrating love. I got engaged on Valentine’s Day. The restaurant where my husband proposed was filled diners who had managed to acquire hard to get reservations. Flowers were delivered to some diners. My husband got down on one knee at our table and proposed. The other diners excitedly anticipated my response and a smattering of applause followed my acceptance of the proferred ring. Love was in the air.

I am in the ever-growing group of people who love Halloween. I love the variety of costumes from store bought to homemade, the old traditions of dunking for apples, trick or treating, and scary stories. Halloween is about fantasy. There are ghosts and goblins and, yes, witches. But there are also superheroes, cartoon characters, musical stars, film personalities, and other media favorites.

Many religions object to Halloween because they believe it celebrates witches and Satan. I don’t see it that way. I believe it is a celebration of imagination and fantasy. It’s the opportunity for children to dress up and score as much candy as their little bags can contain. The only evil are the tummy aches the day after trick or treating and parties where volumes of sweets are consumed. Yes, there have been instances where sick individuals have committed horrifying acts. But parents have learned how to scan for those anomalies.

So, I ask again, what’s your favorite holiday and why? Share your special memories in the comments. And whatever you celebrate, celebrate well!