My Favorite Holiday Christmas

The best time of my childhood was receiving Christmas gifts each year from my family and friends. I was so excited when Christmas morning finally arrived. I would proceed to go into the living room where the Christmas tree was situated. I had all of my presents opened within a matter of minutes just ripping every shred of Christmas wrapping. There were numerous boardgames and dolls over the years. The toys that were the most precious to me were the many types of different dolls I had received. I also had a variety of boardgames but two games in particular Clue and Life provided hours of entertainment. My Christmas stocking which was hung by the fireplace contained chocolate candy and Life Savers. We had an artificial green Christmas tree. My mother did an outstanding job decorating the Christmas tree year after year. We had a wide assortment of ornaments to choose from. The Christmas lights went up first, then the ornaments, the gold garland and lastly the angel on top of the tree. My Aunt used to have an annual Christmas party at her house. The family members would bring their gifts placing them in the hallway. The relatives congregated to the living room and exchanged gifts. She had an artificial silver Christmas tree in the corner near the fireplace. The gifts were neatly arranged under the Christmas tree. My grandmother's apartment included a miniature Christmas tree. On the buffet table many Christmas cards from family and friends were displayed. I remember traveling into Boston to see the famous Enchanted Village at Jordan Marsh. Christmas time is so festive and magical everybody including family and friends come together to reflect on past memories. Christmas is an important celebration of  life and love. The most joyous occasion for adults and children. For me Christmas will always have a special place in my heart.

My Annual Thanksgiving Tradition

Every Thanksgiving day as a child I would watch Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Now as an adult I prefer to watch The Best In Show sponsored by the Purina Dog Show. I also enjoy viewing the Thanksgiving cooking shows on the Create channel. I usually prepare all of my favorite Thanksgiving dishes which include chicken, green bean casserole, squash casserole, cranberry sauce, apple, cherry or blueberry pie. We don't have too many  family gatherings at our house. I would much further spend a quiet evening at home. This holiday is a day to give thanks for family members that we cherish and to be grateful for the annual feast. My heart goes out to the individuals who are not able to receive their Thanksgiving dinner. The homeless shelters do provide Thanksgiving dinners to anyone that enters their establishment. The food pantries also have volunteers that help distribute meals to low income individuals. These people deserve to be treated to a hot meal once a year. It's nice to see people working together as a team and contributing to a worthwhile effort. The volunteers are caring and compassionate who take the time out of their schedule for an excellent cause. We must communicate to family and friends that they hold a special place in our heart.

My Favorite Season Fall

I like the change of seasons especially the fall when the fall foliage on the trees starts to change color. The fall weather is beautiful, cool and comfortable. It is a perfect time in the fall to go apple picking. I remember traveling to the Big Apple Farm in 1982 toWrentham, Massachusetts. The Big Apple sells a variety of baked goods and fresh cider. They recently added a new Ice Cream Shoppe. I always enjoyed their candy apples which were so delicious. I would recommend the Big Apple because it is family friendly and worth the trip. I remember dressing up for Halloween in a variety of costumes over the years. I went to a friend's Halloween party back in October 1978. I decided to go as a gypsy. I had a good time we played the game Twister and danced to the Grease record in the downstairs basement. Then later on everyone was gathered in the Family Room watching the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. The next morning I was getting ready to leave my friend's house when my classmate threw my pillow into the closet. My response was gimme my pillow back I have to leave. My friend went to the closet retrieving my pillow. The same year I was trick treating with a friend from Junior High who lived in my neighborhood. The best part of Halloween was getting to eat the candy that I had collected. I couldn't wait to devour those chocolate candy bars.