My husband, my daughter, and I have birthdays all in a row… Dec 17, 18, 19… so while it’s not always the most convenient to have a birthday around the holidays, it does feel like we are celebrating our birthdays the entire month which is one annual tradition we will always keep!

Fried dough with sugar for breakfast on Christmas morning. It was something my mother’s Italian family always did.

My dad lights the fireplace and plays Christmas jazz music while we all open presents. It’s so cozy!

Every year we start out the season by going to the Poconos to cut down our Christmas tree. I always have a full day of baking cookies with my mom, hubby, and the kids. I also love matching Christmas Pajamas!

Dragging those holiday lights out of the garage with my two boys and wrestling those bushes to get the lights just right. Just like Clark Griswold, my lights are usually in one giant tangle. We have a big Mr. Frosty that gets put out too.

Grabbing a hot beverage and riding around looking at Christmas lights, Christmas Eve candlelight service and waking up Christmas morning in our PJs and gathering to celebrate by exchanging gifts and then breakfast casserole!

It’s tough to decide on just one. The musical sounds of Carol of the Bells are breathtaking. But the Little Drummer Boy holds a powerful message.

The Christmas Song (also known as Chestnuts Roasting on an open fire).

The Chanukah Song, Adam Sandler

Carol of the Bells by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Jingle Bell Rock

The Christmas Song

O Holy Night

There are so many to choose from… I think Elf would be the winner in my book.

Christmas Vacation! The movie is a “beaut” from beginning to end!

“Where do you think you’re going? Nobody’s leaving. Nobody’s walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas. No, no. We’re all in this together.” — Clark Griswold

Christmas Vacation

Any Hallmark Christmas movie!

Elf will always be my favorite!

Elf

A Christmas Story

Home Alone

I wish I could say I love to sit by the fireplace with a nice glass of red wine and just enjoy the view, but that’s totally not my reality! We have a sledding hill right behind our neighbor’s house so the whole neighborhood is out there which is so much fun to be a part of! Lots of laughs, lots of mess, lots of laundry, LOTS of wine!

Watching kids sled down our backyard hill and drinking hot cocoa.

Watching the kids sled.

Playing football.

Getting the kids up on the slopes and out on skis.

Get bundled up and go for a walk; the atmosphere is so calm and beautiful scenery!

Absolutely nothing!

I really enjoy seeing everyone at our annual holiday party. It’s been a few years since we have had one in person, so this year is extra special!

Having time to recharge.

Without a doubt, the Wyanoke Group Holiday gathering. From the early lunch with a few colleagues of 20+ years together, to the actual festivities with all your co-workers that you haven’t had the chance to socialize with outside the office.

HSS is like family so the holidays are always fun, and we get to see each other more.