Absolutely everything! It has always been my favorite Holiday, and time of year. Even as a child, it was never about the presents for me. Granted, they are an extra bonus, but for me it is all about being with Family. Hanging together all day, enjoying each other's company, and never forgetting the Reason FOR the Season! The birth of Jesus! You will never find me abbreviating the word Christmas. To me, it is just lazy and disrespectful. It does not take any effort to type or write CHRISTmas! Please do not forget why celebrate this best time of year! And now we have started a new family tradition with our girls - The Elf on the Shelf! Emma just loves it!
The music, the happiness, and the joy that everybody feels this time of year all adds up! I have always wished that it really could be Christmas all year long! Could you just imagine?!
2. Were you told the truth about Santa Claus by your parents, or did you find out another way?
I found out the truth all on my own! Every Christmas my Papa would dress up as the Big Guy and hand out presents. But one Christmas Eve I noticed that my Papa was not in the room with us. I looked around a bit, and recognized Santa's wedding ring! It was a dead give away for me! I was not upset however, and I played the game until my cousin's new the truth. It was, and still is, fun to believe!
3. Do you plan on telling your kids about Santa (if you have them or plan to have them)?
I want my children to believe as long as possible. Emma knows why we celebrate Christmas, and what it is all about. But she is starting to catch on to the whole Santa thing. I want her to believe in the magic and the innocence of it all as long as possible. There is so much hatred and battered innocence on an everyday basis as adults, that I believe children should hold on to it for as long as they can. Some people will argue that letting your childern believe in Santa and keeping it up, is lying to them. Perhaps it is technically, but I survived the truth, and so will my girls!
4. Real tree or fake tree?
Growing up my mom and I usually had fakes, while my grandparents had the real deal. I loved both, and still do not necisarilly have a preference for one over the other. And since we have lived in our own home, it has been real. And will continue to be. More for the tradition than anything else.
5. Do you open presents on Christmas morning, Christmas Eve, or both? We usually do one on Christmas Eve, and the rest on Christmas morning. That way the kiddies don't get so anxious!
6. What is your favorite Christmas movie to watch, and favorite Christmas song to sing or listen to?
Where do I begin?! While my Papa was alive, we had a tradition where we would watch all the old classis Christmas shows; Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph, Santa Clause Is Coming To Town, Jack Frost, Charlie Brown Christmas, etc...and now I have passed that down to Emma! We also LOVE to watch Elf, A Muppet's Christmas Carol, The Grinch {both versions} and so many more!
Now when it comes to the music, which I begin listening to the week before Thanksgiving, it is hard for me to pick favorites! I grew up listening to The Carpenters, Anne Murray, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, and all the classics!
I made my own personal tradition about 10 years ago - every year I make a point to purchase the Starbucks Holiday CD! Whether it is good or bad, I just have to have it! They have such a great mix of the classics and modern day artists combined! I highly suggest you check it out! :)
So there you have it! What Christmas means to me! I wish you, and yours, a very Merry Christmas, the Happiest Holiday, and an even Happier New Year! XoXo
Love this!!! I will also NEVER abbreviate Christmas! I hate that when people do that, it takes the Christ out :-( I shall always remember the real reason behind Christmas and I celebrate it often, not just during the Holiday's!! A wonderful message my friend :)
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