The Most Wonderful Time of Year
I am in disbelief that Christmas is a short 9 days away. This is my favorite time of year, and I can't believe how quickly Christmas Day is approaching. The holiday season is a lot different when you no longer have a Christmas break to spend at home, but I still have my favorite traditions nonetheless.
Gifting
I've always loved gift-giving, but I think I've loved it the most this year. I have so many packages under the tree, and I've enjoyed wrapping each one of them. The older I get, the more I appreciate the little things that make up the holiday season.
Decor
My mom has always decorated exquisitely for Christmas, and it's safe to say that I like to do the same. The volume of decorations may be smaller than at my parents' home, but I still love adding Christmas touches throughout my apartment. I am also in love with the decor that you see on buildings, streets, stores, and the like. When we visited Edenton, it was the picture of perfect with gorgeous Christmas decorations, and the Capitol Building in Raleigh has been decorated gorgeously. Christmas decorations turn even the largest of cities into the quaintest of towns.
Christmas Movies
I love Christmas movies a little too much -- I'm talking the ultra-cheesy ones you can find on the Hallmark Channel. I'll watch every single one and more than once, if need be.
Family Time
Ever since I was a little girl, we've had the same traditions for what we do on Christmas and in the days leading up. Of course, things have changed a little since then, but the family-time has remained constant. We celebrate with multiple lunches and dinners, and even through the hustle and bustle, I really am sad when it's all over.
Cooking and Baking
I'll be cooking this year a little more than I usually do, but there are no complaints there. From appetizers for our White Elephant Exchange at work, to mashed potatoes for Christmas dinner with my grandmother, to a pie for every single occasion, I can't wait to cook. I've found a few new recipes I want to try this year -- the mashed potatoes will be a staple {recipe here} and I also plan on trying my hand at Katie's chocolate pie recipe.
Christmas Morning
Santa still visits our house on Christmas Eve, and I love waking up in my Christmas pjs and heading into the living room to see what fun gifts we have. Even though my brother, sister, and I are all older, there is still something fun and magical about it.