Christmas is all about giving and making it a wonderful time for everyone.
I grew up with a family who've thought me that Christmas is a beautiful time of the year and Christ's birth. We celebrate Christmas by going to church and then having a fruitful dinner at home and having a bonding moments. Back in my childhood days, I enjoyed opening presents given to me and much more joy if I receive money.(hahaha)

But as I grew up, I much enjoyed giving presents to my loved ones, especially to kids because it makes them very jolly. (I know the feeling..haha) But giving presents also means a huge cost on your pocket.(hahaha)
Christmas is way way too much for everyone!We can feel its already Christmas when we're hearing Christmas songs everywhere, Christmas decors, Christmas lights displayed at houses, on streets, and ofcourse... Christmas Bazaars!!! Sale on every shopping malls, bazaars mushrooming at every corner, and people are crazy about this. (me neither :p) but nothing compares to that wonderful feeling whenever we give something to others.

Giving presents is just like a simple way of saying that "I remembered you today and that this simple gift would make you happy" :)

Wishing everyone a Merry Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.... :) 

Christmas is my favorite time of the year!! I grew up with everything I needed, but my mom was a single mom of seven kids, so we never got anything we “wanted” for Christmas– we always got needs, like underwear, socks, etc. But we still LOVED Christmas– it was the one time of year that everything felt “right.” I always think of my mom blasting Harry Connick, Jr Christmas CD’s/tapes at while we all put up our tree November 1st… I carry those things on with my family… even before we had kids, my hubby and I would put up our tree Nov. 1…. he hated putting it up that early at first, but the idea of not just seemed so wrong….

On Christmas Eve, Mama always had a big tin of the three-flavored popcorn, read “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” and gave us one gift (always pajamas!). I love to carry on these traditions, but I’ve always only done it with my baby brothers and sisters until now…. this year, my own babies are 2 and 3, so I am beginning to think about them barely remembering these early years and I want them to have the same memories/feelings I do! I don’t want Christmas to be about wants, but since I’m a little more fortunate than my mom was financially, I want to give them wants…. My biggest stress factor with Christmas (maybe- my ONLY one?!?) is thinking, “If I do this, will my kids understand the real reason for the season, or are they going to associate Christmas with gifts?” I want to raise my kids with the same beliefs I was raised with, but I’m so nervous that it’s not going to work, because so much emphasis is placed on gift-giving, etc……I knew I couldn’t possibly be the only one with holiday stress— as much as I hate that anyone else stresses over small things, I’m comforted in knowing that I’m not alone!

OH, I almost forgot that we decided after Christmas last year that we would start a new tradition this year. Thanksgiving evening we will each suggest an idea for a “Gift to Jesus” and it will be an act of service that we can do as a family. This goes beyond the toys for tots donations and the shoe boxes, of course, and has to include physical activity or personal experience of some sort that will help another individual or family. I am so excited to see what my whole family can come up with! If anyone has creative suggestions, feel free to express them!

Christmas makes my heartbeat faster and slower at the same time. Faster because of the adrenaline rush every time you see your favorite store go on sale and have a handful items purchased. Alamak! The only problem is that I can't control myself on buying unnecessary things. :|

At some point, I realize that when i buy the "unnecessary" things it's not just a gift for myself but for my family as well. At least i'm not that selfish enough. haha :)

I think Christmas would be more lonely this year because It's my first time to be far from home and skype is not enough to show your love... :(