Favorite Season

Fall is the start of my favorite season. First the start of school with all it brings: back to school sales and most importantly the kids are back at school. From there is our yearly fall festival filled with cotton candy, caramel apples, craft expo,  making s' mores  White Coco Latte (that’s a drink it’s really good) or a good bottle of wine while roasting nuts over an open fire with family and friends (good times).

Let’s not forget Halloween filled with bewitching décor, classic B-movie marathon, sweets that will make my dentist smile and the neighborhood kids in their cute costumes. The leaves change colors and witches and goblins turn into tom turkey, bundling up to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade(sometime live and other time just in front of the TV with a big Texas Breakfast), the family gathering together and lots and lots of football….. GO SAINTS!!!

Last but not least is the season of Love, Joy and warm wishes to family and friends. Though a bit commercialized, Christmas is still very symbolic and very holy to me. It is the time when the world takes a moment to think about someone else’s needs. But most importantly we celebrate the birth of Christ.

There are several activities I personally participate in that are community based; however it’s so much more rewarding to do it with the family. This year my sisters and I will be donating quilts, food and volunteering our time at our local MLK center. Helping your fellow man is not only warming to the soul but our Lord and savior also commands it. Sadly the spirit of generosity isn’t shared year round.

I am a big supporter for family traditions, some in my family could even use the word obsessed. While we still exchange gifts,  my family has started a new tradition of adopting an Angel. It’s just one way of giving to someone in need. As I was saying, my family is not so much on keeping all of our old traditions but I fight to keep them alive until I have a family of my own. I want to share just a few of the past and present traditions we participate in (willing or not).

• Reading the birth of Christ before opening gifts on Christmas day 
•  The Nutcracker Ballet
•  Eating at McDonalds after Christmas shopping
•  Watching Christmas cartoon marathon. A side note; I love frosty the snowman and snoopy the most.
•  Singing carols together
•  Holiday light viewing (the family packing into the van and driving around to neighborhoods looking at decorated houses).
•  Angel Tree.
•  Decorating the tree together. I currently have two. My goal is 3.
•  Parade of Lights
•  Open one gift on Christmas Eve and each person say what they are thankful for.
  

I am hoping to add to the list. Who knows, I might put on some of the things I do in my own home. Just be prepared to have a long list. I love the holidays.

With love

Monique