We consider this part of the season "The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year". This time of the year is filled with good tidings of great joy. When most think of this part of the year, they think of the holidays. The latter part of December brings Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. It is the time of the season where families get to come together and celebrate. There is nothing like being with your family, enjoying food, fellowship, and gifts. Most of the time everyone is in a great mood, unless they are not looking forward to Aunt Beth's annual "you gave me that as a gift?" gift. I absolutely love this time of year in more ways than one.This time of year can't get any better for a sports fan. The only other time I can compare it to is the spring when March Madness is ending, the NBA season is coming down the stretch, and the major league baseball season is about to start. I am a huge baseball fan so I am biased there. There is so much going on this time of year in the sports world. Around the holidays has something for all sports fans. For football fans, the NFL only has a few weeks left in the regular season, fantasy football playoffs are in full force, and college football bowls are getting kicked off. Hockey fans can enjoy the regular season, along with the New Year's Day NHL Winter Classic. Every year on January 1, the NHL has an outdoor hockey game featuring 2 NHL teams. This years Classic features the Flyers and the Rangers. There is also something for basketball fans to enjoy. College basketball season is in full tilt and teams are finishing up their non-conference games and preparing for conference to start up. The NBA is usually in mid-season form, except this year it was post-poned due to the lockout. Teams will not have an official start day until Christmas. Just when you think there is nothing for baseball fans, you are wrong. The baseball winter meetings take place. This is where most of the negotiations for the free agents take place. This year saw some of baseball's bigger names sign with new teams. For example, Jose Reyes left the Mets for the new Miami Marlins and Albert Pujols left the defending champions Cardinals for the Angels.
This is truly the most wonderful time of the year. There is nothing better than getting to spend quality time with your loved ones. This time of year is also a sports fans dream with all that is going on. So this holiday season, while you are enjoying time with the family and trying to figure out what that gift is that Aunt Beth just gave you, turn on the TV and enjoy a good game or two. Nothing brings a family closer like chugging a few eggnogs and pulling for your favorite team!
