Christmas Christmas-time is here, time for toys and time for cheer...

If you didn't catch Justified-T on SNL this past Saturday, it was pretty funny. But enough about that.

The countdown to Christmas has begun! We are nearing the final days leading up to that most joyous of holidays, and yours truly is most exuberant. My thoughts are as follows: friends, food, presents, cake, family gatherings, food, cookies, parties, finger foods, presents, Christmas songs, after-Christmas sales..

I know what you are thinking. "Mare, according to you this looks like nothing more than a season of self-indulgence and materialism. All you have listed is food and presents." Yes, that is true - if you only skim through. But you'll also notice that intertwined through these words are words like "friends" and "family gatherings" and the ever-popular "Christmas songs." These words and thoughts are the glue that hold the Christmas season together, that have made this season the most wonderful time of the year and my favorite time ever.

True, I enjoy the food, the sweets and the presents as much as the next girl. But if I didn't have my family surrounding me while eating or opening gifts, those things would seem as hollow as though my plate and my gift boxes were empty. I love going to after-Christmas sales, not because I get a lot of stuff, but because Mom and I get to hang out together and talk. I love family gatherings at my grandmother's house not because the food is excellent (although it is) but because we have had these get-togethers for as long as I remember and the chance to see everyone and make awkward small talk is always fun (really, I'm being serious).

In short, I love this season not only because of the food and presents but because of the memories that I have of Christmases in my childhood, growing up in a loving family, celebrating with everyone around the living room/table/fire/etc. The past two years I have not gone with my parents to my grandparents' houses for Christmas (2004 I was in Brazil, 2005 I had to work), so this year I am especially looking forward to seeing everyone and introducing a few of them to my husband (some of them have never met him!!!). I am in a perpetual good mood from this night on - I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!