Cherishing the Magic of a Disney Christmas

Simply put, I love Christmastime…

All of the decorations and people generally being in good cheer, the frosted Santa cookies and other assorted sweets, the giving and receiving of presents – what’s not to love, really?! Sure, things may get a little chaotic at times when we find ourselves running around in a frenzied attempt to beat out the Christmas Eve clock, but even within that madness there are still good tidings to be found because more likely than not you’re just scrambling for the simple fact of trying to take in as much of the Christmas spirit as possible in these few short weeks before it’s time to clean up the discarded wrapping paper and cookie crumbs, move on into a new year!

Anyways, it’s probably no surprise that being such a big fan of the holidays in general, this is probably my absolute favorite time of year to be around Walt Disney World as well. All of the effort that Disney puts into themeing during any other time of the year seems to be exponentially amplified by the spirit of the season – resorts all decorated with their own unique atmospheres in mind, Downtown Disney bustling with gift ideas and even a chance to whisper in the old man’s ear yourself to put in any special requests, and let’s not forget … the theme parks themselves, each embracing the holidays in a larger than life way that reminds you unequivocally in the brightest of colors and boldest of sounds that Christmas is a very special time of year around this place.

I think part of it might be simply because each in their own right are thought of as somewhat magical – Christmas being a magical time of year filled with joy and happiness, and Disney World being just the kind of place where dreams come true every day of the year! It makes only good sense then that when the two should meet, the outcome would be an overwhelming display that spans nearly every facet of holiday spirit, from Santa and presents to the nostalgia of being surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights to a profound retelling of the biblical version of the first Christmas that can wow even a guy like myself who isn’t necessarily very religious…

To visit Walt Disney World between Thanksgiving and Christmas is to find yourself completely surrounded by the spirit of the season, and even though the crowds will get a little carried away immediately around each of the actual holidays themselves, I still tell people time and time again that Disney World at Christmastime is really something you have to experience for yourself to truly realize just how incredible it feels to be in the epicenter of the magic during this already special time of year. Sure, you may see 2-hour waits for Space Mountain or find slim-pickings for ADRs if you didn’t have the foresight to make them months in advance, but the things that you simply can’t experience any other time of year:

• watching Cinderella Castle sparkle as 200,00 lights drape its peaks and arches with iridescent snow
• listening to a full orchestra and choir perform some of the most moving songs of the season
• standing in absolute amazement on the Streets of America as millions of Christmas lights dance to the music in a display that years ago got its creator, Jennings Osborne, taken to court by his neighbors for his holiday spirit simply being “too disruptive” for their quaint, suburban subdivision

…those and so many other special festivities are really what you come to Disney this time of year for. And just like in life how I try to use this time of year to slow down and really savor the things that mean the most to me, I do the same as I walk around the parks, not only taking it all in for another year myself, but also in cherishing the “ooohs” and “ahhhhhs” of those who are experiencing this special place at a special time for the very first time. It’s kind of like that hour of opening presents on Christmas morning, except it’s happening all the time pretty much wherever you turn until it’s finally time to get in the car to head on back home again!

It’s a feeling that I consider myself very fortunate to get to experience every year, and if you’re not able to personally make it down for the holidays yourself here in 2011, then I hope that perhaps this humble website of mine (along with so many others) can allow you to share a little of that special brand of Disney holiday magic vicariously as you embrace the spirit of the season wherever you may be.

Happy holidays to you and your own, and may all of your Christmases be magical!