December First

CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS 

Yeah, I'm really really excited. I'm especially excited because I finally have my own apartment to decorate this year! And let's be honest, Christmas is the best holiday in the entire year. 

There's just something about the glowing lights of the tree at night, of being able to see your breath at Temple Square. 

Wrapping up in your warm coat and scarf and hat and watching the snowflakes fall from the sky.

 About finding the perfect gift to give your sister or dad or mom, thinking about their reaction on Christmas morning. 

Eating pie and ham and decorating cookies, making candy, hanging the garland and decking the tree.

Sledding with your siblings and crashing at the bottom of the hill- maybe accidentally getting a bloody nose or two (whoops!)

Watching the glow and hearing the crackling of the fire in the fireplace (or in this case... the fire on my TV screen). 

Watching "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" or "Santa Clause is Coming to Town" and going to see Ballet West's "The Nutracker" at the Capitol Theater ever year.

My little stacking doll set I got in Poland this year

Listening to Michael Buble's Christmas album, or watching the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing the Hallelujah Chorus. 

All the little crafts that the kids make for you for Christmas, and how excited they get over a popcorn wreath, and the idea that Santa Claus is really coming in just a few short weeks. 

Watching the glow of the Christmas lights reflect in your cat's eyes.

I love Christmas for so many reasons, but mostly I love being together with my family. I've been so blessed to have my grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and siblings so close. Christmas has always been a time for us to get together and enjoy each's other's company. Making family traditions like going to see the Nutcracker, doing a family Christmas program, making Christmas cookies. Getting pajamas on Christmas eve, and taking turns opening presents on Christmas morning. Spending Christmas Eve, Christmas morning and Christmas night together as a family.

 It just makes me so happy, and I can honestly say I never feel more happy-

 or more blessed- than I do in the holiday season.