I love this time of year. I grew up in dry, hot Arizona so I grew up as a young child without a "white Christmas". During my late teen years my family moved to Utah. There, Christmas was very white. I was fascinated by the snow and loved how it made the day or night so quiet. Hot and dry or white an hushed, Christmas is one of the best times of year. I love it all!

We have several Holiday traditions at our house. On Christmas Eve we gather loved ones and friends around a big buffet dinner. After dinner, we decorate Christmas cookies, as crazy as we can. Then, we sit down around the Advent wreath, light the candles, read the Christmas Story, and exchange cookies. We select someone to give a cookie to and tell them what we appreciate about them.

We started this tradition when our kids were just babies. For a few years they thought it was corny, but now that they are teenagers, then are beginning to come back to our family "traditions" and look forward to Christmas Eve expecting everyone to decorate and share. We even worried about including our parents thinging they may also think it was kind of sentimental. It is now our favorite family tradition, and everyone who visits expects the cookie swap.

Whatever your traditions are this Holiday Season, we wish you a time of love, joy, and a sense of family with your village. May the coming year be prosperous, and may we all be grateful for our blessings!

Happiest of Holidays to you and yours!!