It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Christmas is an enchanting time of year.
The sights, sounds, smells, stories, and sparkling snow.

 The snow softly coming down outside while Christmas music softly plays.
The smell of cinnamon rolls baking fills the house.
Sounds of giggles, laughter and chatter fills the air. 

 Each year I feel like a little kid once again.  Heading off to bed with eager anticipation for the new day. Truth be told, if I still lived at home you would likely find me creeping upstairs in the middle of the night to see what appeared.  For as long as I can remember my mom would still wait to fill the stockings and put out the gifts until we had gone to bed.  Even while in college, the tradition continued.  {side note: my mom rocks}

 One aspect I love about Christmas is giving gifts.  I love to find the perfect gift for the perfect person.  It is not that I need to spend a lot of money, but I want it to be something unique and special, just like they are to me.  Some years I succeed and others years I scrape by!  One new tradition I started a few years ago for the kids was to buy them a new ornament.  One year just their initial, another year a thematic one to their personality...this year, it's a secret!

 Another favorite aspect of Christmas is how the family comes together.
We all spend the majority of the day together, laughing, taking pictures, talking and sharing in the joy.  Seeing the kids faces light up as they open gifts and run to give hugs. Its home.  Its safe.


I am looking forward to this Christmas season and seeking to make more special memories with my nieces and nephews.

What are some of your favorite:
Traditions? 
Treats?  
Stories?
Gifts?

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