Someone recently asked me “What is your fondest memory of Christmas?”

I had to think about it because this question triggered me to think back and relive SO many happy memories of the holidays. I don’t think there is just ONE thing.

My Mom always decorated our home to the nines. Toss pillows on the couch were replaced with green and red numbers, a little Brandy snifter made into a Santa by my Grandfather held green and red M&M’s, a big gold basket held all of the holiday greetings from family and friends, kitchen towels were switched out with ones embroidered with holly, etc., etc. I coule go ON and ON!

I remember loving to sit and look at our tree complete with small colored lights and an assortment of special ornaments collected over the years ~ a good old-fashioned Christmas tree. Each year I would look forward to unwrapping the ornaments from the old, wrinkled tissue paper that protected them in the box throughout the year and place them on the branches. On Christmas morning the gifts would spill out into the entry way from under our tree ~ a tree that just had a handful of packages under it the night before. Santa was ALWAYS very generous.

We would always have toasted Panettone on Christmas morning. My grandmother, Gam, would no doubt come toting a box of this stuff. For me, it was an acquired taste. I’ve grown to love it over the years and now I grab a box of it to enjoy with coffee on Christmas morn.

As a very young girl, I remember going to an annual Christmas party hosted by friends of my parents. They would always have a Santa and my parents would bring a wrapped gift for us. Santa would reach into his sack, pull it out, call our name and we would sit on his lap, tell him what we wished for and walk away with our gift.

I also remember going to the mall with my Dad each year and getting my Mom a big box of See’s candy. She would always tell us that “See’s candy is for adults.” I remember believing her. That didn’t last for long.

I recall visiting a little old lady that my parents knew…she lived in an old folks home and I remember smelling that “old folks home” scent every December. My sister and I would go out into the hall and sit by the big fish tank and watch the fish. This convalescent home visit was a SURE sign that we were in full holiday swing!

My Mom would also make lots of baked goods – peanut butter balls, oatmeal bars (my Dad’s favorite), toffee and orange bread. We would deliver to all the neighbors along with wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I could go on and on. I think that is why I love the holidays so much. So many fun memories as a child. Although I may do things a bit differently now, I know that what I experienced as a child made me appreciate the Christmas season and all the magic that comes along with it.

I think my favorite traditions are sending out cards, baking and shopping for small, token gifts for family & friends. I love taking the kids to see the lights in the neighborhood, visiting Santa, shopping for our annual ornaments, sipping the occasional peppermint coffee drink, overindulging in way too much good food and attending Christmas Eve Mass with the family.

I hope that I pass along the love of the holidays to Elliott & Holden. I want to make Christmas something that they look forward to throughout the year ~ a time spent with family & friends, celebrating tradition and the birth of Baby Jesus.

May you have the Merriest of Christmases and the Happiest of New Years. May your day be filled with family, friends, food, football and FUN!

Gingerbread hugs & candy cane kisses,

Amy & Co.