Christmas!

Growing up, Christmas was hands-down my favorite holiday. From January 1 until December 25, I counted down the days and despite never really believing in Santa (courtesy of my older brothers), my parents made it downright magical.  During the weeks leading up to Christmas, my mom would take us to see the Rockettes at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.  My Catholic elementary school would put on Christmas plays and concerts (my starring roles included the Angel Gabriel and Santa, that's me playing Santa above, I convinced my music teacher Sister Marilyn that I was a star lol).  My dad would take me on long rides around our neighborhood to see the lights.  My older brother, Marc would take me to Macy's at Herald Square to see Santa and to "window shop" at FAO Schwartz.  Occasionally, on the night before Christmas, we would join my aunt and grandfather for midnight mass. Boy... I miss Christmas in New York...

It was also probably one of the few times being a child of divorce was great.  I woke up Christmas morning and the living room floor underneath the tree was blanketed in toys.  Then, after a big Mom-made my breakfast, my dad would come by with another gigantic bag of toys.  THEN, we would go to my Grandfather's house and he would have more toys and I would play all day long with my cousins.    
I was the youngest child... the only girl... and the youngest grandchild... needless to say, I was rotten. 
It was a kids dream. 

As I got older, my beliefs changed and naturally, so did my relationship with Christmas.  I felt a great deal  of conflict over my religion and I felt like giving into my love for Christmas would be hypocritical.  I loved the opportunity to get together with family but everything else sort of fell by the wayside.
When I became a parent, it was almost like I had to celebrate.  It was a such a staple of my childhood that I couldn't/can't see raising a family without celebrating the holiday.  Now that Isaiah is 4, it almost feels like the celebration is just getting started.  This year he helped decorate the tree, hang the stockings and we even have the occasional dance parties to Christmas music.   Wesley is primarily concerned with getting the decorations off the tree but he does his little jig at the party, haha.  For the first time since I was a little girl, I find myself getting butterflies anticipating the day.  I can't wait to see their wide eyes when they come downstairs and see all the presents piled up under the tree.  Then, like my mom, I can't wait to make a big breakfast for everyone.  I suppose its about tradition... I can only hope they remember these days just as fondly as I do.
Here is one of my all time favs, White Christmas by The Drifters:

Merry Christmas for all those that celebrate! Happy Holidays to everyone else!