11 Reasons Christmas In Kentucky Is The Absolute Best
By Jenn Shockley|Published December 06, 2015
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Jenn Shockley
Author
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
Kentucky is one of the best places to enjoy Christmas, Yule, Hanukah or whatever holiday you celebrate. There is something about living in a state with an overwhelming amount of nature that gives one a different perspective. So many people get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, they forget the real reasons for the seasons. It is all about love, friendship and family–not spending an exuberant amount of money.
Here are 11 reasons why Christmas in Kentucky is the best:
Wassail has a little more kick to it, but in a sweet, savory way. It has Pineapple juice, apple juice, red hots and sugar, all of which are combined, then warmed. Some recipes call for brown ale and spices for an all adult gathering. I prefer the Pineapple juice version, which is fabulous alone or with a little rum or bourbon.
We have the ONLY underground Christmas light show in the world. Lights Under Louisville is an annual moving exhibit that you can enjoy from the warmth of your vehicle in a ginormous underground cavern. Families and friends can experience a one of a kind show with lights and music for about 30 minutes.
These are two popular holiday drinks that are both fantastic in their own way. Both are made in a crock or by warming on the stove. Mulled cider varies but can have cinnamon sticks, slices of orange, lime, lemon, apple and cloves. Those who want a kick will find a little rum or bourbon mixes quite nicely with warm mulled cider.
Almost every town has a light up festival, with some being more memorable than others. Some small towns have extreme charm but not a lot of flash. There are others that have extravagant shows where the glow can be seen all across town. The thing they all have in common is the happiness of the people attending.
We are the craft capital of the United States, and there is love in every stitch, cut or drop of glue. Berea is our craft capital and home of the renowned museum, but beautiful and unique handmade items can be found all across the state. Traditionally every gift given was handmade, but centuries passed and that tradition is lost to many. Some still practice it though.
Use what you have and celebrate the season. Don’t spend it mourning the things you don’t have. Anything can become festive with a little creativity and festive spirit. Even a simple pine cone can become ornamentation.
Kentucky is a crafty state, which makes it darn near impossible NOT to find a holiday wreath made of actual holly or pine. Finding a real or unique faux wreath in our state is extremely easy. You can make one yourself, or stop by the nearest boutique to find something made with love.
There are an abundance of places to get a fresh tree that will make your entire house smell like the holiday. A real tree brings with it an aromatic smell that just uplifts the spirits. There is nothing wrong with a faux tree, but unless you add some pine scented air freshener or potpourri, the scent is just not the same.
Oh LAWD, the food made in a southern kitchen is always good, but during the holidays it somehow gets better. Honey baked hams, fried or baked turkey, cornbread stuffing, green beans with ham hock and every dessert you can imagine. When people in Kentucky say they gained 10 pounds over the holiday, it is no exaggeration.
The holiday spirit of Kentuckians is a friendly, southern type of spirit. There is a sweetness in most of our people that you just do not find in other states. People that hand someone in front of them $20 because they see them counting change, or pay for someone’s coffee if they are a little short. I cannot say there are not people like that everywhere in the world, but we have bountiful supply of kind-hearted folks.
A lot of Kentuckians have their whole families here, which makes it easier to get together. Holidays are perfect to spend time with family and friends while enjoying a meal, and the joy of getting together. There is a lot of love in our state.
These are just a few reasons why I think Christmas in Kentucky is the best, but I’m sure we all share different reasons. One of which cannot be our fluffy white snow, as that doesn’t always apply. We more often than not have a green holiday with snow later on. Why do you think Kentucky Christmas’s are the best?
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