I love this time of year. I love everything about it. The cooler weather, the excitement of little kids, the family time, the giving, the generosity, and the way people transform into better versions of themselves (including myself). I wish it could be Christmas time all year!

One thing I especially love about Christmas time are the lights that go up! It makes me sooo happy! I was in San Francisco for Black Friday this year and I was so thirlled to see the lights had gone up in the malls and all around the city.

Another reason I am especially excited this year is because Mike and I get to go on vacation! We don’t like to take tours when we visit other countries because we like the freedom of waking up whenever we want and taking in the sights at our convenience and eating the food that we choose. We love meeting the locals, getting lost and seeing things for the first time. Although we don’t take the tours, we do take our own personal guide…he’s amazing, and knows what he’s doing. He knows all the hot spots and gives great advice and tips. His name is Rick Steves. Mike and I never leave home without him when we go to Europe because he saves us money and gets it right everytime =) Without him, Mike and I would be lost…all the time. Can you guess where we’re going this year?

Now, for the most special part about this time of year...celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. I have to tell you the truth, it bothers me that everything is being called the Holidays instead of Christmas. Hello...we wouldn't have holidays this time of year of it weren't for Christmas. That's just my opinion =)
Jesus, thank you for coming into this world and giving yourself as a sacrifice for my sins. Thank you for loving me that much!