Holidays are at times wonderful experiences and at other times challenging ordeals.  Thankfully, both of these are ripe for Notebooking.  Holidays are nearly always filled with memorable things. Thus, the better you Notebook, the happier you’ll be when you look back at your writing.  Let’s talk about the best ways to write about a holiday.

Food Glorious Food  Many holidays have special food associated with them.  Often, these are comfort foods which tend to bring about strong emotions.  At other times, like when visiting in-laws or friends, the food is strange and sometimes horrifying¹.  Either way, this is great Notebooking fodder whether sentimental or acerbic.  Most of us know that the majority of taste is aroma but did you know that most of tasteful food writing is describing aromas well?

So Much To See  When you go somewhere for a holiday there is usually a host.  Hosts, for the most part, want you to have a good time.  Hosts tend to work very hard before and during a holiday².  The least we can do is appreciate the work that a host puts into your enjoyment.  This usually means appearance.  In addition to setting the scene with descriptions, think of other things that help to paint a verbal picture; other guests, decorations, etc.  Just remember that the host worked very hard.  Be kind to your host in your notebook, it costs you nothing to do so.

Do you hear what I hear?  The sounds of a holiday are as varied as the people attending them.  Everything from music, to the sound of children playing to the absurd laugh of your Uncle Ron.  Whether the constant crinkle of candy wrappers at a Halloween party, or the crackle of a fire at Christmas or the institutional buzz of fluorescent lights looming over an office party, sounds can add depth to your writing and flavor to an otherwise drab affair.

People, People Everywhere  Most importantly, the people.  Recording who was there and what they did is a great place to start.  Writing lovingly about loved ones is better.  Complaining about them is still whining!

Notebooking a holiday can immortalize a moment.  Just remember, don’t assume you will remember the details and for God’s sake write the date down!

1. Google Snicker Salad!
2. To say nothing of the work they put in after the holiday putting things back together!