Christmas time is here. Happiness and cheer.
Ok, be honest. Did the song from the Charlie Brown Christmas animation start swirling through your head? If not, slow down. Go back and read the first line again.
You can thank me for the earworm. Maybe you need to put on some holiday music in the background while you read this. Go ahead. I’ll wait….
I love the Christmas season, especially the reason for the season. I love how we spend so much time and energy in welcoming the birth of one special child. The lights go up inside and out. The tree gets decked out. 
(We have a tradition of putting a shiny red present under the tree as soon as the tree is up. It’s really an empty box, but seeing it under the tree every year is a reminder that Jesus is the most precious gift.)
We set up our special Christmas village in the family room. I get to send Christmas cards, often to people I haven’t see lately. It’s nice to reconnect. Christmas music streams through the house and in the car. (Not too early, please. I’m in the ‘It’s ok after Thanksgiving’ camp.)
Gifts get wrapped. Cookies are baked and decorated. Plans are made with friends and family to get together. So much to do, but it really is the most wonderful time of the year! Maybe all the prepping is why I haven’t posted a blog recently. Well, that and I’m deep into editing my second book. (More on that another day.)
Traditions
TraditionsIf you take a moment to think about it, most families have traditions during the Christmas season. Another special one for us is the chocolate cake.  In the one pictured here, it was my daughter-in-law’s idea to use the mini candy canes and to sprinkle crushed peppermint. Doesn’t it look cute? (You won’t tell about my secret mishap, right Amber?)
I know. As if all the cookies and candy aren’t enough! But this cake is special. It’s a birthday cake for Jesus. We light candles and sing happy birthday to Jesus. We started this tradition when our children were little. Now we have grandkids joining in on our tradition.
What’s a favorite holiday tradition in your family? Let me know in the comments!
Christmas time is here! I wish a merry Christmas to you and all those you love.