I LOVE Christmas Eve.
Growing up, I didn't really know that Christmas Day was a special day too.
It was all about Christmas Eve.
From the moment we woke up on Christmas Eve, it was the countdown to get to the moment where those gifts would be passed out and you'd see, "The Pile."....Your pile of colorfully wrapped gifts that had "Julie" written in cursive in the "To:" spot.
While the pile was fun, I remember the feelings of Christmas Eve....
warm and cozy
surrounded by family
excitement in the air
joy in everyone's faces
love in our hearts
the smell of Mom's homemade dinner (the dinner that I would inhale as fast as I possibly could to get a little closer to the "main event")
the together time of washing dishes (I prayed that we'd use the dishwasher, but we painstakingly washed and dried each Christmas plate by hand)
the Christmas tree radiating its pretty lights and decorations from past Christmases
......and the "feeling".
The "feeling" that life was good. Christmas was a gift. And we were fortunate.
I still love Christmas Eve and look forward to making each one special, unique and focused on the simple moments of gratitude. Traditions are in the making....and memories are ready to be created!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
Skyways, Mochas and a little Silly
I'm pretty sure that I'd hate to be December 26th.
It seems so boring, so non-glittery, so non-jingle-all-the-way....so ordinary.
Well, 12/26/11 became extraodinary today!
The skyways were quiet....no hustle and bustle of the holidays.
Nicollet Mall was sunny, 42 degrees and held the key to a perfect Monday afternoon.
The Christmas music wasn't playing anymore, but the spirit of the season was still in our hearts, on our minds and on our fancy dresses that Santa sewed and delivered himself.
Family was still together....mochas were sipped....laughter was shared....and silly was made! December 26th....I think I love you.
Monday, December 12, 2011
I Believe.
I Believe.
Santa is magical. This Santa? Been connecting with young ones for 15 years....saw the letters in his bag. For Barbies, ipads, legos and "pretty dresses". His eyes were radiant, his Mrs. Clause was real, his joy for kids and their dreams was alive and well!
There was magic in the air last night as we saw Maya connect with Santa for the first time...and imagined the years to come of the much anticipated visit. An annual tradition has begun...dreaming of the possibilities, writing the letter, waiting in line, coming eye-to-eye with the big bearded Christmas lover and seeing the joy come Christmas morning that dreams really do come true.
We took the annual "Christmas light drive" after the Santa visit...homes of every size and every color were covered in lights. Kenny and Dolly were blaring on the radio, Maya was sleeping after meeting the big bearded guy....and I opened my window, belted out my best rendition of "I'll be Home for Christmas" and waved to any passerbyer waiting for a holiday greeting!
Traditions are beginning....I Believe in the magic of the season!!
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