Merry 'Pre' Christmas

This is my first, but will not be my last post about Christmas this year. I, along with millions of other people in the world, love Christmas. It's not so much Christmas, but the feeling that comes along with Christmas. There isn't a feeling quite like it. I went out and about shopping a few days ago and noticed that although it is October, the stores have started to put up their Christmas displays...and I love it!! I find it very hard not to be happy and in a good mood when surrounded by things of "the holidays." It's the middle of the night, and I can't sleep so I am up blogging and watching Christmas movies. It is bringing back so many memories of holidays previous and the small things that make me smile.

• Decorating the Christmas tree with my family while listening to Christmas music
• Delivering gifts to all of the neighbors
• Making Christmas lists and placing them by our stockings for Santa to see
• Setting out cookies and an apple in hopes that Santa would come and eat them
• The sound of ringing bells, of those seeking donations as you walk in the stores
• The chill air and snow flurries
• Sitting down by my parent's fireplace
• Thinking of that special gift to give to those you love
• Wreaths, candy canes, & hot cocoa
• Wanting to search the house for the Christmas presents that you know are hidden
• The smell of cinnamon
• Not being able to fall asleep because of the anticipation....regardless of my age!!:)
• Waking up at 6am to go wake up mom and dad
• My dad making us wait at the top of the stairs while he "inspected" all that Santa gave us
• Having to go in order of youngest to oldest to open presents
• Having our designated "seats" for present opening
• The smell of pine from my parent's, always real, Christmas trees
• Setting out the Nativity on the top of the piano
• Getting out the Christmas music books to play duets on the piano
• All of the Christmas goodies you collect from neighbors and friends
• Playing with all of the toys we got for Christmas
• The traditional Christmas picture with all of our gifts
• Sending out and receiving Christmas cards
• Being together as family
• Reading the Christmas story from the Bible on Christmas Eve
• Most importantly......Remembering the birth of our Savior

I could continue on with this list, but I better not since I am making myself homesick. I have never been away from home for the holidays and am afraid that this will be my first. I am sure that we will get to see our families sometime throughout, but probably not on Christmas Eve or Christmas. But, that's okay, right?! We will be starting our own traditions with our family and the Spirit of Christmas will still be the same!!:) Until then...I will continue to watch my Christmas movies, listen to Christmas music, and enjoy the holiday decorations in stores, 2 months in advance!!:) MERRY 'PRE' CHRISTMAS!!