Last Christmas Day, I was home in Staunton celebrating a quiet morning with Mom and Dad. We had a leisurely morning, chocolate chip cookies for breakfast, mimosas for brunch and enjoyed the peace that the day brought. We reflected on the year and shared memories of Christmases past - each year looks a little bit different and we cherished last year, just the three of us Christmas morning. The afternoon brought Amy and her family with lots of excitement, energy and enthusiasm about the holiday season. We took the girls to our small town park and played just like we were ten years old again. Amy and I did our best to keep up with the girls and realized our limitations when we had trouble fitting in the seats of the swings! We laughed out loud and enjoyed being sisters :)
This year as the day approaches, we prepare in anticipation of many new memories to be made. This will be our first Christmas Day together in the five years we have known each other. The house is cozy and warm, ready to receive guests and Santa in a few days. I didn't pack a thing to get on an airplane, this year everyone is coming to see us as we await the arrival of our son, Noah. We are thrilled to be blessed with such an amazing family, support system and the anticipation adding another member of our family is overwhelming. I have so many happy holiday memories and traditions from childhood ~ from running top speed down the stairs, stockings then Santa, sausage cheese casserole, the advent calendars, the Trinity Christmas Eve service ~ just remembering a permanent smile on my face during the holiday season. I want to pass along the traditions to Noah and create our own this 2008 Christmas, as it has already exceeded my expectations and our baby has not even arrived...
