Branson . . . Christmas Style!

Amy, a mom with the "inside track," and her daughters.

There are no two ways about it . . . Christmas is on its way!  In fact, there are only 20 days left until the big day.

It’s funny how there can be such varying reactions when someone points out how many days there are left until Christmas:

*The “Always-on-the-Ball” people hear that there are 20 days until Christmas, and they are calm, cool and collected.  They confidently proclaim, “It’s going to be so nice to enjoy these next few weeks because I have everything done – the house is decorated, Christmas cards are in the mail and gifts are wrapped and under the tree!” Note – these people count some of the greatest “fun” of the season getting to check all these holiday tasks off of their lists.  They may ever do the task and then write it down on one of their many lists just so they have have the satisfaction of crossing it off!

*The “Who-Cares-about-the-Ball” folks delight in the news!  They excitedly exclaim, “Wow, that’s 20 whole days to enjoy the season!  What fun, Christmasy thing are we going to do today?”  Note – these people most likely do not have gifts bought, cards done or presents wrapped and under the tree, but they just know it will all work out!  Or, they enjoy every part of the Christmas season so much that none of these tasks seems like a chore at all – it’s all part of the fun!

Now let me stop right here . . . though these types of people are typically quite different in the way they approach the Season, they are both poised to thoroughly enjoy these next 20 days.  But now onto our last type of person:

*The “Usually-on-the-Ball-but-Not-So-Much-This Year” crowd hears the 20-days-til-Christmas news with equal parts panic and self-critique.  They might react something like, “I just can’t believe there is still so much to do!  How could I have let things get away from me?  I still have so much hanging over my head.”  Note – these people are at the largest risk for not enjoying the season.

We need an intervention, and I know something that just might be a big part of the remedy . . . Branson’s Ozark Mountain Christmas!

Now don’t get me wrong.  I’m not saying that the “Usually-on-the-Ball-but-Not-So-Much-This-Year” crowd are the only ones who would enjoy Ozark Mountain Christmas – we all can! – but I am saying that taking time to enjoy all that Branson has to offer this month is sure to put a little cheer (back) into the season!

A few Ozark Mountain Christmas highlights for you and yours to see and experience:

• Andy’s Frozen Custard holiday treats (I can’t help but start with food!) – You really don’t want to miss the Candy Cane concrete and the Andy Nog Shake.  Yes, eating cold treats in cold weather does seem a little counter-intuitive, but I promise that it’s worth it!  Consider eating one (or both!) of these treats while viewing some of Branson’s wonderful Christmas light displays from your warm car . . .
• Drive-Through Christmas Lights – Branson Area Festival of Lights is one of the area’s fantastic light displays, which is open until January 2, 2012!  Another impressive light display is Shepherd of the Hills’ Trail of Lights.  This adventure also include a trip up the Inspiration Tower where you can ride glass elevators up 230′ for a breath-taking view of the lights from above.
• Polar Express presented by Branson’s Scenic Railway – If you’re not in the Christmas spirit yet, this is sure to help you along!  Watch for the elves when you get close to the North Pole!
• Christmas Shows too many to count!  Click here for a list of shows that are running through this week and remember that many Branson shows wrap up their Christmas performances before we actually make it to Christmas, so be sure to check the schedules carefully so you don’t miss out!
• And last, but not least . . . An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City! Named one of the World’s Top Holiday Destinations by CNN.com and one of the Top 5 Holiday Events in the Country by Good Morning America, this is a must-visit place in Branson this December.  There is so much to experience at the park, but there are a few (according to my family) don’t-miss activities to see and do before you leave the park . . . visit with Santa (get in line early!), watch A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, watch the Gifts of Christmas Holiday Light parade, drink hot wassail, and enjoy the spectacular 5-story Special Effects Christmas Tree.  You’ll love it year after year!

My little bullet-pointed list just doesn’t seem to do Ozark Mountain Christmas justice, but you know what will?!  YOU coming to experience for yourself!  So, whether you are a “Always-on-the-Ball,” a “Who-Cares-About-the-Ball,” a “Usually-on-the-Ball-but-Not-So-Much-This Year” or something else, I can assure you that Branson at Christmas will not disappoint!