It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I loved it as a child, and now I am blessed to enjoy some of the traditions from my childhood with my own son, as well as some new ones we have started. At a little over 3 1/2, he is really getting into the Christmas spirit this year. He helped me decorate the tree, he talks to baby Jesus in his own Little People nativity scene every day since we put it out the day after Thanksgiving, and he helped me clean out the pantry to donate canned goods to the local food pantry for those who don't have food to eat like we do.

I can't wait to take him looking for Christmas lights again, just like my parents used to do for my sister and me when we were growing up. Christmas morning is sure to be filled with lots of laughs and squeals as he tears through the paper of his three special gifts from us. We do three gifts to help him remember that three wise men brought gifts to baby Jesus long ago. Then, a little birdie told me that Santa is bringing a bike with training wheels to our house this year. He's going to love it! To tell the truth, his Daddy and I will probably be just as excited as he will be!

Whatever traditions you have or are starting with your own family this year during the holidays, please take some time to pick up some toiletry, house ware, or baby items to help out the families affected by domestic abuse right here in our own community. We will be gathering these necessities at our December 12 meeting for our local women and children's shelter, Circle of Hope. Please remember these families this year as you celebrate with your loved ones.