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Celebrate a Bully Christmas: How to Embrace Theodore Roosevelt’s Holiday Spirit

Update Rediscover the Spirit of Christmas Through Roosevelt’s Eyes Theodore Roosevelt, a fervent proponent of enthusiasm and joy, embraced Christmas with unparalleled zeal. For him, the holiday was not just a day of celebration but a season of rekindled wonder and family bonding. T.R.’s spirit, characterized by a tireless joy reminiscent of a child unwrapping presents, is something many of us can learn from. This holiday season, let us draw inspiration from his joyful approach and infuse our own Christmas with vigor and delight. Rewind to Your Childhood At the heart of Roosevelt’s Christmas celebration was his ability to connect with his inner child. He often reminisced about his own childhood Christmases, filled with joy and family rituals. To celebrate like T.R., begin by reflecting on your favorite holiday memories. What made those experiences special? Consider how you can recreate those cherished moments, perhaps with a twist to fit your grown-up perspective. Childhood joy can be just as impactful as adult traditions, so allow it to guide how you celebrate. Deck the Halls with a Christmas Tree A tale often told is that Roosevelt banned Christmas trees from the White House due to his conservationist beliefs. However, this account has been largely exaggerated. In reality, Roosevelt did enjoy Christmas trees, especially at his home in Oyster Bay, and he even gifted trees to the local school. The surprise tree his son Archie brought into the White House in 1902 truly exemplified the holiday spirit for the Roosevelts. This act kindled a new tradition where Christmas trees became a staple in the White House. So, if you're looking to celebrate like T.R., don’t shy away from putting up a real tree. Enjoy the smell of fresh pine and the twinkling lights that make the season magical. Spread Joy by Giving Back In T.R.’s view, the essence of Christmas involved sharing joy with others. Inspired by his father who provided Christmas dinners for the less fortunate, he often gave out presents to local children and would engage with them directly. Whether it was through volunteering your time or simply sharing a meal with someone in need, embodying Roosevelt’s spirit means recognizing that Christmas is about community and compassion. Delight in the Magic of Gift-Giving Roosevelt's gifting philosophy heavily revolved around providing joy to his children. He believed in offering gifts that sparked imagination and excitement—experiences rather than mere items. The thrill of unwrapped presents combined with the anticipation of Christmas morning created unforgettable memories. This year, consider how you can gift experiences, whether it’s a trip to a beloved place, an adventure, or a shared hobby, rather than just material possessions. Engage in Festive Activities Incorporating fun activities into your celebrations can echo Roosevelt's love for life. He often partook in sleigh rides, a popular pastime during his youth. For you, this can mean anything from ice skating to cozy gatherings with family and friends, or even participating in charity events that resonate with your values. What seasonal activities can you include in your festivities that would not only bring fun but also unite friends and family? Attend a Church Service Regular attendance at church services was a hallmark of Roosevelt’s Christmas tradition. He valued these communal gatherings, recounting cherished hymns sung with family and friends. Emulating his dedication to faith and community could enhance your own Christmas. Attending a local service may provide a moment of reflection, connection, and the warmth of shared spirit in this festive season. Create Lasting Family Traditions Ultimately, what truly matters is the legacy of your Christmas celebrations. Just as Roosevelt aimed to keep his family traditions alive, consider how your own rituals—whether new or old—can cultivate a family bond across generations. Sharing stories, laughter, and love during this holiday season can forge lasting memories and traditions for years to come. This season, reflect on what a "Bully Christmas" means to you and how you can incorporate some Theodore Roosevelt-inspired practices into your own celebrations. Not only can you bring the joy of the past into your present, but you also can pass on this generous spirit to a new generation. Embrace the warmth, merriment, and joy that comes with Christmas. Let the exuberance that characterized Roosevelt's life inspire you throughout the holiday season.