Merry Christmas 2015

When I think of how the holidays were when I was a child versus now, a lot has changed. I believed in Santa for the longest time and assumed he was real until my mom finally told me he was a myth. I remember I would wake up early so excited to find presents under the tree. On December 23rd and Christmas Eve (the 24th) I would write several Christmas lists and place them all over the house. I would even leave cookies all over the house too hoping to get "Santa's" attention. I also believed the more cookies I would bake for Santa, the more presents I would get in return.  
Then, I would be so happy to see my grandmother (who is now deceased and has been for quite sometime, RIP) the early morning into the early evening of Christmas day. We would celebrate Christmas at her house, as it was a tradition. She would cook and my mom, aunts and other family members would join her in the kitchen. It was different then. Back then I was all about the presents, the food, the music and getting time off of school. The memories. I also knew the origin of Christmas, as it was the birthday of our father, Lord Jesus Christ.
Evidently, I appreciate a lot more now than just that.
In fact, what I love about the holidays goes beyond decorations that dangle on the tree, hearing Christmas music on virtually every radio station, bright white snow sinking into the earth's crust for the season or the gourmand scents that manifest the kitchen when cooking kringle. What l love about the holidays goes beyond opening gifts, enjoying time off from work to sleep in and sipping on classic grade A Moscato.
What I do love about the holidays, Christmas in particular, is living in the moment. Whether it means placing a new ornament on the tree, shopping for Joe, or simply cooking a new recipe for the first time. I also love being surrounded by good energy. And by good energy, I mean by wonderful people. By those who I love and those who love me. The holidays are the time to not only love life, but appreciate every moment and memory breeding experience life offers, as if it were the last. Experiencing them is one thing, but sharing those experiences with wonderful people is always a blessing to me.
Everything has been the same since I can remember and yet every year there is "something" new and unique. Whether it is a new experience or even a memory created by another one. Nothing ever fades and that is the beauty of the holidays, of Christmas. To me, that is what this day is all about.
I hope you enjoy today, as I hope you are having a wonderful day. From my house to your house, Merry Christmas!

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