Well, we're already into the 8 days of Chanukah, and are closing in on Christmas day as well.
I don't know about you, but our Christmas tree is up, and most of my presents are wrapped - all we need now is to hang our stockings by the chimney with care...and get the house in order for all of the family who will be stopping by over the weekend.
Christmas is definitely one of my favorite times of year - the pretty lights, the cheerful songs, the snow (okay well we rarely get snow right on Christmas, but it gets veeery cold and icy...which isn't always pleasant but hey, tis the season), decorating the house, baking cookies, all of the red (one of my two favorite colors) and green....but mostly, it's all of the gatherings that take place.
I am a HUGE fan of getting together with my extended family and friends. Especially the family, because it seems to be a less frequent thing then the gathering of friends. I always wonder about those movies where the main characters dread the upcoming visit from their relatives, because in the movie of MY life, it is one of my favorite scenes. We always have an amazing dinner, an impressive dessert table, lots of stories and even more laughs. In the case of Christmas, my parents cook the main dish and the family brings various side dishes. There is something really great about getting to be at home and still having the opportunity to see everyone.
We can sit by the fire, open presents, stare at the pretty tree and watch Christmas classics like "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" and "The Polar Express" (okay, that's not so much a classic, but it will be some day).
For us, Christmas is at least three or four days long, or longer - we have the immediate family on the actual holiday, the extended family the next, and then a slew of other visits or events, be it a cousin's basketball game, one of my gigs, etc. We also always get together with friends of ours who are celebrating Chanukah, and light the menorah in front of the tree in a joint holiday celebration. I've always really enjoyed this combination of traditions - the Jewish religion is such a big part of the past of the Catholic/Christian beliefs, and I've always thought it was important to be aware of all aspects of this holiday, and where our beliefs come from.
Plus it paints a pretty picture of togetherness, doesn't it?
No matter what you are celebrating or what your family traditions, have a WONDERFUL Holiday Season, and a Happy New Year!!
