It's the Holiday Season!

Don't you just love this time of year? The radio is playing Christmas music; the streets are lined with wreaths and lights. There is just something in the air that changes after the Turkey and Cranberry of Thanksgiving has been packed away as leftovers in the refrigerator. I think it really starts with Thanksgiving day, all of that gratitude changing hearts just a little.

There is just a different feeling for that month that spans from Thanksgiving to Christmas. (And I don't mean the commercial, crazy feeling that we sometimes encounter). Hearts are just a little softer. We think of family and friends. Memories come rushing back as we unpack the ornaments and hang them on the tree. As family gathers, they share stories of Christmases past. Donations make their way to food closets; pocket change clinks along in harmony with the bells rung outside store entrances.

And the smells! Don't even get me started on the smells. I can't get enough of the smell of pine and cinnamon, cookies baking, hot chocolate steaming. It is all so delicious.

But the best part of all is that for a little while we focus on what matters, family, friends and Jesus Christ. We remember his birth and celebrate his life! I love turning on the radio station and hearing his name coming over the airwaves. In a time where religion is being swept under the rug more and more, this month of remembrance is almost a miracle in itself.

I hope that you experiencing that change as well. I hope you are feeling that love and feeling of joy this month as we prepare for Christmas.