First Real day of the Christmas Season

Today was the first day of the true Christmas spirit for me. A day spent with family sharing stories, baking cookies with my mom. The first real snow around Christmas time in years in VA. Coming home to a fire in the hearth, with stockings above, the tree and the lights all shining.  It saddens me to contemplate how rare these days are for many of us, to think of how commericialized and greed focused the holidays often are.

Make a list, expect to receive those gifts, unwrap that which you requested, say thanks and head home.  Those are the worst days of the holidays. What about that is a focus on family? on something greater than ourselves? or (gasp!) on giving to those who are really in need?

All I wanted and all I requested from my family this year was the greatest gift they could give me- their time. Dedicated no cell phone, no laptop, no Blackberry time. Time to make memories together.

Today my mom gave me that gift and I am so very grateful for that. Spending a few hours talking and baking with her was the best gift she has ever given me.