Making the Holidays Special

Colleen at Scrapdango.net posted this challenge a few weeks ago. "Since the holidays are upon us fast and furious here, I'd like you to spend a few minutes blogging about the little things you like to do with family and friends that make the holiday special. I want this to serve as a reminder to us when things get crazy that we should slow down and enjoy some of these things on our list. You could also blog about things you're doing (or have done in the past) to simplify your life over the holidays."
I guess the season approached faster than I thought it would because I'm just now getting around to posting this! :) The past few years we've been blessed with having my daughter, son-in-law and grandson living either near or with us. I got really spoiled! It made any and all holidays so very special! Last year we even had the blessing of Steve's 3 sons and granddaughter visit us for a few hours. That's where the picture of my family in the header came from.
This year, however, we will be alone on Christmas day. So sad! Michele, Daniel and Noah are living in Virginia now. And the boys will be with their stepfather and half sister trying to comfort each other and learn how to celebrate their first Christmas without their mother. (She died of cancer in April 2008.)
BUT! The day after Christmas the boys and Molly will be arriving and will spend the weekend with us. HOORAY! So DH has decided to not be quite as much of a Scrooge as he'd like to be and last night put up our outdoor lights. And today I bought a tree which we'll put up tomorrow night. It isn't Christmas without a tree and decorations and lights outside! :)
We have several family traditions - Steve and his boys have to have something to shoot at each other. Last year it was really cool Nerf guns. (I'm still finding the "bullets" when I clean!) My family always lets the kids open a present on Christmas Eve. Michele and Daniel will be continuing that tradition with Noah.
Of course, I have to have my Christmas carols playing everywhere I am! I love how everyone is singing about our Lord and Savior! Even those who say they don't believe. And I love how it makes everyone happy. People who would normally be rude and disrespectful suddenly become nice and polite!
But most of all I love how we celebrate the birth of Jesus. I have a manger scene that takes center stage. And a kneeling Santa that goes right in the middle of the coffee table in case anyone forgets for a minute what the season is really about. :) He's one of my favorite decorations. I love how everyone makes their houses so beautiful inside and out. I love driving through the neighborhoods at night and seeing all the lights. This year I'm going to try my best to get some pictures of some!
And now that I've run on and on, can you tell this is my favorite time of the year? Yep. Just like the song says, "It's the MOST WONDERFUL time of the year!"
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! HAPPY CHANUKAH!!! HAPPY KAWNZAA!!! And may your new year be very, very blessed!