So I was musing at a traffic light on this morning on my way to work, wondering what sort of inspirational thing I could post in the blog today that would get everybody thinking and writing? And of course the fact that the holidays are coming screaming at us like a runaway freight train is difficult to ignore...so I pose the question to you all, what is the most meaningful part of the holidays to you? Whatever you celebrate, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Grinch Day...what makes the season for you? What puts the ring in your silver bells?

I grew up in the frozen flatlands of Minnesota, so of course there was snow. I honestly cannot picture anything but a white Christmas. I love all the lights--there were two houses across the street from each other that had light wars, every time you drove past there were MORE and MORE lights on both houses. I love decorating for the holidays. (Ask my husband. :P) As I've gotten older, the joy has come from the giving, not the receiving. I find myself more looking forward to seeing others faces when they open their packages than to finding out what's in mine. We celebrate Christmas with just my parents and the three of us--and the animals--but they are the people who are the most dear to me in the world. On Christmas Eve we watch A Christmas Story--and quote it throughout the holidays--and then The Grinch, and then eat dinner, and then it's time for presents. And in the morning we see what Santa has delivered--yes, at eleven my son still believes in Santa (or if he doesn't he's being very wise and hedging his bets)--and then head to my parents for breakfast and more presents.

But the thing, the ONE thing, that makes the holidays for me is music. I am a musical being. And nothing moves me more than vocal music. Which is why I love carols so much. I live for the Friday after Thanksgiving when I can load up my CD player with The Blenders, Rockapella, the Carpenters and just sing, sing, sing. (While I put up the decorations. :D) Everywhere I go I have Christmas music--which reminds me I need to get some in my computer at work.

So how about it, y'all? What puts the holly in your ivy? (The toe in your missile? :S) And if you HATE Christmas, what is your favorite holiday and why?