The Christmas Spirit has really grabbed hold of me this year. I even find myself wishing I could be more like Sally and Jack from The Nightmare before Christmas, living in a world of repeating holiday. I probably go overboard with Christmas sometimes, because I want to get everyone a gift. When I was younger I used to save up money so that at Christmas I could take an angel from the Christmas tree at Church and give a gift to someone I didn't even know. I believe that Christmas is a direct reminder to each year to embrace the things I'm thankful for. Technically there is a holiday for thankfulness, thus the name Thanksgiving, but I must say that day holds little glamour for me. Christmas, on the other hand, if full of beautiful bows, shiny paper, and glittered ornaments sparkling into the vibrant shine of Christmas lights.
    My Mom is my biggest influence and so it's no surprise that I have such love for Christmas. I remember Christmas was always important to her. All the nights of wrapping presents while we sat in the living room waiting to poke and prod. She'd get up early Christmas Eve and fill the stockings. Our stockings were like treasure troves filled with various trinkets and candies you'd never knew you wanted but now felt you couldn't do without. Then we'd have to wait all day until dinner was done to open presents. It seemed like torture! All the movies showed the kids dashing into the room Christmas morning and ripping into there gifts, and we had to wait?! When it came time we went in order of age, youngest to oldest, and opened gifts one by one. We snapped pictures, we oohed and aaahed at each person's new toy. It lasted forever, and it made it more special to me. If we hadn't grow up making Christmas such a ritual, I don't think I would be as thankful and appreciative of the things I have today. When people take that much time to show each other that we care, that we want to help make their lives happier, what could be better than that?
     Merry Christmas everyone!!