Thanksgiving was amazing and I spent four days with family and friends celebrating the season. We ate, shared stories, saw three movies, and laughed and laughed. I did not partake in the craziness of black Friday. Before kids and when they were babies I used to be one of those crazy shoppers who would map out my plan of attack the night before, get up at 4am, stop for coffee and head to my first store, that was until one year, when I was almost trampled by a mob of women for fisher price toys. Are you kidding? I realized right then, this is not worth it! And, as my experience has proved, the sales actually get better the closer to Christmas you get. I don't miss it at all, and enjoy the quality time I get with my husband and boys...and sleeping in on Friday. Personally I think most people (not all, but most) just go to be part of the crowd, part of the craziness, part of the madness, and maybe to get on TV. Anyway, now the house gets decorated and we prepare for over 30 days of more quality time with family and friends.

One new tradition we started was going up to our township park and celebrate the festival of lights. The president of our chamber of commerce speaks, Santa arrives, Pastor Gary says a prayer and then the tree's get lit up for the season. The community comes together for hot chocolate and some light snacks and cookies...there is no celebration this time of year that does not include cookies.

I hope you all have a blessed Christmas season and remember to share every moment with those you love. Keep your traditions, make new traditions and memories and always be thankful for what you have.