I just finished watching the Charlie Brown Chirstmas Special. Man that brings back memories of a time when you had nothing else to think about except what Santa might bring you that year. Sometimes I feel like Charlie Brown and want to shout out "what is Christmas all about!!??!!" too. We do get wrapped up in all the other things, but isn't that what makes it fun-especially if you have kids? My goal this year is to just enjoy what we have, relax and reflect.

...you knew this was the last Christmas you would spend here on Earth? Would you change anything in the way you celebrate the holiday? Make an effort to spend more time with family? Help those in need?

I hate the song: Christmas Shoes. I know, everyone cries.. blah, blah. I hate when I buy a box of chocolate covered cherries, there is always one broken and its a sticky mess in the box. I hate the green pieces in fruitcake (my Mother actually makes it without them, just for me). I hate trying to buy that "perfect" gift for someone that has everything. I hate giving gift certificates and getting them; I mean, how much thought goes into those?

In the past I have let other dictate my Christmas spirit. I will not do that this year! I'm going to enjoy it this year for me!

My family treasures the Christmas Holiday season. We love our time together and the "Tree Decoration Day" has to be one of the best days of the year. So funny how we reminisce about 'this ornament & that ornament'. We had a moment tonight that made us all laugh for about 10 minutes. While dealing with the busy traffic on Highway 29 near the mall, my husband had a few "choice words" for a fellow that forgot cars came with brakes...! I burst out into laughter, and said "Ho, Ho, Ho".. We all laughed. So glad we can laugh and enjoy the season.

I love the whole Christmas season. I love the fact that my child is old enough now to start understanding the true meaning of Christmas. I love the music, the lights and the spirit of the season. My only stress factor is the extended family gathering, which should be the least of my worries. This year, however, I'm determined to enjoy myself, even if other family members choose not to. As I get older, I realize that I won't ever be able to change my family, but I can change how I react to them. My enjoyment this year will not be based on what they do or think..

- The smell of a fresh, blue spruce Christmas tree
- The Angel that lights the top of our tree
- The ceramic navity set passed down from my Grandma
- The anticipation of my children on Christmas Eve
- The excitment of my children on Christmas morning
- Animated Christmas Shows: Rudolph, Santa Clause is Coming to Town and The Year without a Santa Clause
- Church service on Christmas Eve
- Wonderful memories of Christmas as a child
- Traditional Christmas music

I love Christmas for the memories of my childhood. My mother made Christmas very special. Of course, I love the religious parts of it too. I know why Christmas is important. But I would give anything to be a child again, it's 1970 something - Christmas Eve. Aunts and uncles are at our home. The grown ups are playing cards, laughing and enjoying one another. Me and my cousins are hanging out - watching "It's A Wonderful Life" and giggling about Santa Claus. It was just a nice, simple, problem free life for me. I would like to re-live a little of that. Anyway...

I love Christmas. I love the traditions, the cooking, the kids being home, the family get togethers, the magic of it all. People are just a little kinder and a little nicer this time of year. I love teaching my kids the importance of the season and taking them to buy "little" gifts for other kids and watching their faces when they are able to deliver those gifts.

Its been a year since the last family gathering. Some show and some don't - even with the worst excuses imaginable - WHY they can't come this year. With the family together so infrequent, people on nerves because they all don't get along and now everyone is under one roof. Shrek said it best- "It's not Christmas until someone cries!"