I admit, Christmas is easily my favorite time of year. I love everything about it. The house all decorated with the many decorations we've collected over the years, the happy smiles from my kids when they see the presents under the tree on Christmas morning.
I also love spending time with my brothers and their better halves. Going to my mom's and feeling all the warmth and love as we sit down to eat, everyone joking and teasing with each other. We don't get together very often these days. It's hard because we're all grown and we all have our own lives. But when we do it's a good time for all of us.
The other day my daughter wanted to turn on the radio station that plays Christmas music 24/7. At first, I was hesitant. I mean, Thanksgiving isn't even here yet! But as soon as Bing Crosby started singing about a White Christmas I was a goner. All those warm memories came flooding back and I was instantly ready to shop and decorate!
When I was a kid Christmas was a magical time. My brother would come in and wake me up and whisper to me that Santa came. We'd head out to the family room and see the presents and just sit in awe, almost too excited to stay still. Now that I'm a mother my joy comes from seeing that same wide-eyed wonder on my daughters' faces. They're in their teens now, but Christmas is still a magical time for them. We have our little traditions and it makes me smile. There's nothing better than seeing a smile on your child's face, is there?
No, it's not even Thanksgiving yet. We're a ways off from getting the tree out of the basement. Present one hasn't even been bought yet. Still, that doesn't mean I can't start getting excited! :)
A Little Bit Naughty--out now!
http://annerainey.com
Christmas is a wonderful time. I had become jaded about it until my niece was born. Once she was in the picture, it became a beautiful time of the year once again. There is nothing like seeing the magic of Christmas through the eyes of a child. It is also my mother's favorite time of the year and she often tells us that the reason behind it is that she remembers the magic and excitement she felt as a kid when she would go to look at nativity scenes around her town back home. Watching my mother come alive and glowy when she tells us this story is what Christmas is all about for me.
ReplyDeleteYou're incredible, Anne! NO, I'm not yet ready for Christmas! Nor Thanksgiving, for that matter ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm not really ready for the holidays yet....I want to get things done early but no one cooperates with me:(
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to get a list from my nieces and nephews now...lol
Joanna--I know what you mean about being jaded. I felt like that until I gave birth to my oldest. After that it just seemed like such a fun time! And what a wonderful memory for your mom! :)
ReplyDeleteFedora--I'm not ready as in having all my shopping done, lol. We're always late for that! But I'm emotionally ready for it. Does that count? :P
ReplyDeleteMaria--Thanks for the reminder! I'm going to seeing my nieces and nephews on Thanksgiving and I want to get lists from each of them! :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful post Anne. Brings back lots of good memories. Hubby's birthday is Christmas Eve so the family has 2 reasons to get together.
ReplyDeleteIt's always fun & he gets twice the presents.
We make sure we separate the birthday part from the Christmas part, like making sure there is no red or green icing anywhere near his birthday cake.LOL
Mary--A birthday and Christmas, now that's the way to celebrate! :)
ReplyDeleteAnne, I think that's the more important part of being ready--and the more important part of the holidays! Being ready to enjoy the time together with people you love, celebrating giving and thankfulness--definitely the vital part of the holiday season. The gifts and shopping recede in importance next to that.
ReplyDeleteHi Anne! I so haven't started yet! We just do gifts now with the young nieces/nephews so between me online and my daughter finding great bargains (she loves to shop, loves the crowds), she will make sure its done on time! I have some ceramic houses that light up that I put all through the living room. Love those. Too I love to watch those older classic movies on the classic movie channel we have. There are so many too with the holiday themes in them. I don't watch movies otherwise, but I love doing that with my hubby and when the children come to visit. There's so much laughter here, its fun. And of course I love to read the Christmas themes! I've already started with an older Regency anthology that I discovered! WHAT SHE CRAVES looks fab up there! Looking forward to December!
ReplyDeleteWednesday 11.17.2010 HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNE. Hope you have a wonderful day, many happy returns.
ReplyDeleteLinda J