Some of My Favorite Things

I haven't written this Christmas like I have in the past with the 12 days of Christmas blog. I am up this morning to work on a few presents for family and I am remembering some of the things that made me smile from my childhood.  I remember my mom had these 'folded newspaper/magazine' christmas trees and angels. I thought they were beautiful and I always looked forward to seeing them each year. 

I also remember the 'ribbon candy' and in particular the peanut butter filled hard candy 'peanuts' that would magically appear on Christmas Day.

I always loved hearing Nat King Cole and the 'Christmas Song' and to this day when I hear it, I am transported to age 10 and Chesapeake, Virgina - making snowmen and admiring our beautiful trees. The other music I love to hear is Eddie Dundsteder - which also takes me right back.

The song 'Silver Bells' reminds me of my sister Cindy - especially the part '...as the shoppers rush home with thier treasures'...I remember she used to do a lot of wrapping and delighted in teasing us with packages to 'guess what's inside'. 

Finally, one of the best parts of Christmastime from my youth was 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'. Even today, I include the quotation from the movie "‘Welcome’ Christmas! While we stand, heart to heart and hand in hand. Christmas day is in our grasp - So long as we have hands to clasp. Christmas day will always be, just so long as we have “We”. 

My mom always had good food to eat on Christmas and I have continued the Christmas breakfast casserole tradition. 

One tradition I have begun with my own family....On Christmas eve, as the last task before bed-time, we hang a banner on our Christmas Tree that says "Happy Birthday"....and that is the last thought in our heads when we go to sleep for the night. All is calm, all is bright....may strangers, neighbors, family, and close friends or aquaintences feel the love of the christ-child radiating from my heart this holiday.