What Christmas Means To Me...

Hi Everyone!  It's Heather from ...this & that... today on Blonde Episodes.  I was absolutely delighted when Kori asked me to guest post about Christmas.  Kori say's "the sky's your limit".  So, here goes...
Christmas is by far my favorite holiday - besides, of course, my birthday!  It's special to me for a number of reasons.  Let me explain.  I'm the oldest grandchild on both sides (mom and dad and step-parents) and it was always a very special time in my childhood.  It's about getting together with family and "now" friends (I have a lot of close friends that I consider family) and about giving.  I don't necessarily meaning giving "gifts" but, rather just giving.  I enjoy being with friends and family and celebrating and being thankful for what we have today and right now.  And of course the New Year as well but, that's another post entirely.
Yes, there's holiday parties and don't get me wrong those are fun too!  Let's see...getting dressed up, giving "Santa" gifts and simply getting together with those special people in our lives to celebrate the holiday, year-end and exciting things to come!  And right now I do have several people in my life dealing with difficult situations - loved ones being sick and in the hospital right now -- so, my heart goes out to them as well.  And let's just say that they are making the best of celebrating with those loved ones, too!  And that is what counts.
Let's not forget what the holiday season brings...  Snow!  Well, obviously this depends on what part of the country or world we live in.  Myself, I live in the Arizona, a.k.a. the Valley of the Sun and I would have loved for all of the rain yesterday to to be snow!  Oh, yes, I really, really do wish this.  I'm not too worried because I can head up north and play in the snow or just wait (and keep my *fingers crossed*) for my trip back to Chicago for New Year's weekend.  So, that brings me to snow and all things about it.  I've lived in Arizona for 11 years and I miss the snow.  Really I do!  I miss snowball fights, snow angels, snow forts, snowman.  Oh, and ice skating.  The best is ice skating (outside) while it's snowing. 

My tree.

Alright, as you can see I'm a bit sentimental regarding the holidays.  Christmastime is about the family and friends - those that are dear and near your heart.  It's a very special time to me and also a time that I get to give heartfelt gifts as well.  Sometimes they aren't much but, the present "gives" that special little smile like "wow, you remembered" or "wow, that's a very cool gift".  You know what I mean?  I'm sure you do.  It's not necessarily about the cost of the gift but, the gift itself and what it means to you and the recipient.  Right?  Right.  Anyhow, I'm on a budget this year and I'm sure most of you are as well and I think "most" of my gifts are pretty heartfelt and several of them I have made myself.  Yes, I'm a crafty girl.  If you follow my blog you know all about Blondie's Shop.  I've made some cross-stitch items, well had them, and completed them and decided to give them as gifts this year.  Pretty cool, huh?  I thought so.  Still...have no idea what to get my brother-in-law.  I like to be unique in my gift giving and not give the "norm" however, I think I might be out of the loop on that this year.
The holiday season means a few more things to me...  Putting up my Christmas tree!  This year I did it the weekend after Thanksgiving and it was fun.  However, this year I put it up by myself.  It's a tad bit different this year being single for the holidays but, I'll survive.  I enjoy deciding "which" ornaments to put up and how to style the tree with ribbon and which color to use, etc.  It's a design process...you know what I mean?!  And let's talk about wrapping the presents.  I love to coordinate all of my presents and use festive ribbon.  You see I really want the gift "and" the package look fabulous - makes the recipient not want to open it.  Ha-ha, I know.  Oh, and holiday movies!!!  The oldies and the new ones...
I'm looking forward to my sister and her husband's annual holiday party this Saturday.  I'll be staying overnight so that I can enjoy myself at the party and not worry about driving home.  Then Sunday morning I'm sure will go to breakfast and then back to her place for more cookie making.  Yes, you read that correctly - more!  We made a ton of cookies for the party this past Sunday and will make more for all of her kids - she's a teacher.  Anyhow, I'm pretty excited about the party.  Last year's party I did not attend because I was in Europe on my extraordinary vacation.  I'm also looking forward to Christmas Eve at my sister's this year.  I'll be staying over as well so, that my sis, her hubby and I can share Christmas Day morning together and I'll be making my signature cinnamon vanilla pancakes (courtesy of Dad).  Oh, and then we will be heading to the movies and then Chinese dinner at their place (something regular they do and I'm partaking "with" them this year).  Yes, I am staying over again because I have Monday off and then I'll head home.  And we will be sitting in front of their fireplace with hot chocolate and wine and having a ton of fun!

I'm on the left and my sis is on the right.
Fun times as always!

Christmas time also reminds me of all the things I am thankful for - for the year and all of my life lessons I've learned "before" it comes to an end.  It's a serious time of celebration for me and a very positive part of the year!  I'm looking forward to a fun holiday time this year, what about you?  Any fun plans and/or traditions that you have?  And my New Year's will be fun too, and you?
I wish each of you a fabulous holiday season!  So, what does Christmas (or the holiday season) mean to you?
Heather
a.k.a. Blondie from ...this & that...
PS - A special thank you to Kori for being a great find - not just virtual but, real life friend!  See you soon my dear.
all images via {pinterest}
Thank you so much Heather dear for filling in!!!!
Now on to the winner of my Pretty Little Liars Giveaway!
Katherine of Riddle Me This!!!  Send me your info honey and I'll send your DVD!!!!  Congrats!  Stay tuned for another giveaway soon!!!!