Happy Holidays...

Once the Pumpkin Spice Latte hits Starbucks, I know my favorite time of year is here.

I've mentioned this before, but I'm a true lover of great boots and even greater sweaters. I love the smell of baking muffins, the taste of coffee flavored with pumpkin spic creamer, the sound of the wind as it picks up the leaves and tosses them into the neighbor's yard.

I love fall.

This year, Thanksgiving falls on my daughter's birthday, so we're having a celebration dinner. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin  pie...everything she loves. The house will be toasty and smell like the perfect dinner. Plus, I have some surprise gifts for her.

After Thanksgiving, I'm ready to roll into shopping. I'm not much of a shopper. Not a fan of crowds or waiting in line to check out. But I don't notice any of that when I'm Christmas shopping. I love piped in music. I love the candle scents of pine and cinnamon apples. I love hunting down gifts that will mean something.

I also like a good holiday party. LOL And I love Christmas eve. I love the sense of anticipation that something wonderful will happen on Christmas morning. And then I love the fact that something wonderful always does happen on Christmas. It can be something as small as that moment when you sit back on the sofa, watching everyone laugh and open gifts. Or as big as the reminder that for Christians the holiday is about so much more than gift giving and another pumpkin pie.

So enjoy the fall. Don't miss it because you hook into Christmas too soon. Then enjoy Thanksgiving. Really pause for a few minutes of gratitude. Then shop till you drop. Absorb the wonder of the anticipation on Christmas eve. And really celebrate Christmas. Be as generous as you are grateful. And take a minute to look around and enjoy the holiday that brings joy to our hearts and love to our families.

Happy Reading...

susan meier