I have always loved Christmas.
Brought up as a Catholic, I love the Christmas story of a young baby born in a manger--a baby surrounded by loving parents, a baby that would grow up to change the world in positive ways.
I also loved the merriment that went with Christmas. I remember the beautiful dresses my aunt made me, the fun parties, the anticipation of Santa delivering gifts, and playing with my favorite present--magic markers and quality paper.
There were the Christmas crafts, playing carols on the piano (the only time I practiced the piano as much as I was supposed to), Christmas cookies, and mom's joy and busyness as she orchestrated the celebratory times.
As a family we would drive all over the city looking at the lights, take a walk downtown, skate, slide, and play in the snow. Christmas was always joyous time.
Now as I think of Christmas 2019, I am thinking about what I want for Christmas.
All I want for Christmas is. . . .
A warm and welcoming home
That means making the time to declutter, clean, decorate, and prepare the home for the guests who will visit.
Family gatherings
I look forward to welcoming family members into my home to celebrate the holidays. I also look forward to visiting relatives' and friends' homes to do the same.
Healthy, tasty food
I hope to make a Christmas dinner that's healthy, tasty, and good for all, and I look forward to the meals others will prepare for my loved ones and me.
Exploration
It's likely that during the holiday vacation, we'll find time to explore some interesting places close to home.
Cheer
I love dancing, music, art, and creativity, and this Christmas I want to find ways to include that in our holiday tradition more. I have a few ideas in this regard.
Surprise and Laughter
Typically the Yankee Swap provides some surprise and laughter over the holidays. Also storytelling and game playing at family events can end in surprise and laughter as well.
Support and contribution
I want to be there and contribute in ways that I can.
There's few to no traditional gifts that I want this Christmas. Instead I want the warmth and love of family and friends in peaceful, loving settings indoors and outdoors. If I get some or all of that, it will be a Christmas as joyful as those I remember from childhood.
Brought up as a Catholic, I love the Christmas story of a young baby born in a manger--a baby surrounded by loving parents, a baby that would grow up to change the world in positive ways.
I also loved the merriment that went with Christmas. I remember the beautiful dresses my aunt made me, the fun parties, the anticipation of Santa delivering gifts, and playing with my favorite present--magic markers and quality paper.
There were the Christmas crafts, playing carols on the piano (the only time I practiced the piano as much as I was supposed to), Christmas cookies, and mom's joy and busyness as she orchestrated the celebratory times.
As a family we would drive all over the city looking at the lights, take a walk downtown, skate, slide, and play in the snow. Christmas was always joyous time.
Now as I think of Christmas 2019, I am thinking about what I want for Christmas.
All I want for Christmas is. . . .
A warm and welcoming home
That means making the time to declutter, clean, decorate, and prepare the home for the guests who will visit.
Family gatherings
I look forward to welcoming family members into my home to celebrate the holidays. I also look forward to visiting relatives' and friends' homes to do the same.
Healthy, tasty food
I hope to make a Christmas dinner that's healthy, tasty, and good for all, and I look forward to the meals others will prepare for my loved ones and me.
Exploration
It's likely that during the holiday vacation, we'll find time to explore some interesting places close to home.
Cheer
I love dancing, music, art, and creativity, and this Christmas I want to find ways to include that in our holiday tradition more. I have a few ideas in this regard.
Surprise and Laughter
Typically the Yankee Swap provides some surprise and laughter over the holidays. Also storytelling and game playing at family events can end in surprise and laughter as well.
Support and contribution
I want to be there and contribute in ways that I can.
There's few to no traditional gifts that I want this Christmas. Instead I want the warmth and love of family and friends in peaceful, loving settings indoors and outdoors. If I get some or all of that, it will be a Christmas as joyful as those I remember from childhood.