So we officially have twenty days left until we celebrate Christmas.  I am excited.  The kids are excited.  My sister abroad is excited.  You're catching onto this, right? 

Here are five things I am looking forward to about the holiday.  Incidentally, they have nothing to do with gift-giving either, which is merely a product of the celebration, but certainly not among the top five things!

• We have this family tradition of going to a movie the day of Christmas, usually sometime in the afternoon or early evening.  I love doing this!  I can't wait to pile into the Suburban (mom, are you driving it up here?) and head on over to the theater together!
• Taking my mom, stepdad, brother, sister, brother-in-law – and of course the kids – to see the lights at the Plaza.  It's been years since we've seen them – I think even before the kids were born!
• Setting a table and using our dining room!  Right now that room is such a catch-all for my random (and frequent) Target purchases, our violins, crafts, etc.  Just today I brought out my tablecloth, napkins, and napkin rings to inventory what I have and need.  Love the idea of setting a table for my family!
• Playing Scrabble or other board games.  As much of a tradition as Christmas Day movies are, so is family game night!  My mom claims she's actually the Scrabble champ, but we might have to prove her wrong this visit!
• Just being.  That's right.  The best part about family is just being with them.  This by far is the thing I am most excited about.

What are you most looking forward to about the holidays?  ♥