I love the twinkly lights. I prefer multicolored scenes however a traditional house simply decorated in white lights can be gorgeous!
I love beautifully wrapped presents under a decorated tree with homemade ornaments waiting to be opened by eager children.
I love the songs! "Mary Did You Know" gives me goosed bumps every time I hear it. What is more powerful than the idea that a baby will change the world? Could you imagine being the mother of a child with such prophecy! Overwhelming!
I love the smells of baking cookies and what is better than scented candles extending those delicious scents.
Most importantly I L-O-V-E the togetherness of family and friends.
For me Christmas has NEVER been about what can I get but about how can I bless you! I was taught at a young age to ALWAYS appreciate what I received from others because that simple gift could be all they have.
I remember being in the position of having nothing a couple of different times. I do not mean oh I didn't have what I wanted type of having nothing. I literally had nothing but the clothing on my back and no place to sleep. Due to different circumstances my family experienced multiple house fires. I remember living with my Aunt and Uncle while my parents and younger brother lived in a camper on my grandparents property. Our house and all that was inside was lost including our Christmas gifts.

My family received donations of clothing, food, appliances, all basic needs. We moved into an adopted family members home just before Christmas. This was the best Christmas we had! We were able to be together under one roof with our basic needs covered because of the generosity of others. Since that day I vowed to always help others when I could, it also made me realize that we never know what others are going through therefore a simple gesture of kindness may be more than we could understand.

Now as a mom I make it my mission to teach my children this life lesson without them having to experience what I did. In general were encourage acts of kindness however during Christmas I find it more important than ever.
During the summer were were blessed with duplicate copies of books. We took the duplicates and donated them to Toys For Tots. The U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program involves members of the community dropping new, unwrapped toys in collection boxes positioned in local businesses. At Christmas coordinators, with the assistance of local social welfare agencies, church groups, and other local community agencies, distribute the toys to the less fortunate children of the community.