My Favorite Thing About Christmas

Of course, we all love to receive gifts, myself included. But there is something even more rewarding to know that you helped make someone else's Christmas extra special. So, I would have to say that the best part of Christmas, for me, is that look on others' faces when they unwrap their presents and find that perfect gift that tells them you care . . . that you truly know them and understand them. Since I can remember, I have taken great pride in giving each person on my list at least one extraordinary gift every Christmas. Whether it is to remember a casual comment months before or to take the time out to find a gift that screams an individual's name, I aim to inspire that look of pure joy and surprise that embodies the genuine spirit of the holidays.

And now that I am the mother of two toddlers, this is even more important to me. Last year was probably my best Christmas ever, for both my son and my daughter were old enough to open their gifts on their own and to appreciate the excitement of gift giving. As a young child, I remember how Christmas Eve was exasperatingly long. I struggled most of the night, trying desperately to fall asleep. But I always found it difficult to even stay still because I was so filled with excitement and anticipation. As I grew older, though, that feeling faded and I eventually fell right asleep every Christmas Eve.

Yet, last Christmas Eve, I only got about an hour of sleep because I was too excited to see my children's faces and hear their squeals when they opened their presents the next morning. Sharing Christmas with my children has brought back all of my greatest holiday memories and emotions. It is as if every time their faces light up or they run around our home showing off their Christmas treasures, the child in me is reborn and I am filled with the joy of those holiday wonders and miracles which we adults often overlook.