[Twinkletoes]

I have friends who LOVE to decorate!

And grandkids that LOVE to open presents.

My favorite part of Christmas is when the family gathers and we sing "12 Days of Christmas." I just get the biggest charge out of accompanying on piano and assigning everyone their own "day" to sing about.

They HATE it! They whine and complain, so I have to really cajole, but most years we get'er done.

One year we improvised with my daughters boy-"friends." There were three that showed up unannounced while she was out with another boy. None of them would leave until she returned, so we sang!

What's YOUR favorite Christmas activity?

[ewizabeth]

My favorite Christmas activity is the family gatherings, seeing everybody, catching up, sharing food and good times.

[FinLady]

I love baking cookies and stuff. I make no where near as much as my MIL or my grandmother. I usually stick to two to three cookie types instead of 10.

After all, it's virtually guilt free snacking. New year's resolution time is right around the corner, lol.

[who moi]

when it's over.....

(just kidding)

[SandyC]

My favorite time of the year, all of it. My most special time is when all of my family gathers in my basement and I stand in the back and look around at all the smiling faces. The kids are running around, food is in abundance, laughter fills the room, hugs are being thrown around and I stand there with misty eyes hoping no one notices.

[weegot5kiz]

aw sandy that was sweet, the gathering of the clan is the best part here too

[tkrik]

Getting up before anyone else. I get my coffee, say my Christmas prayer before the nativity (which we have placed the Baby Jesus in the night before - tradition), kick back and admire the tree and decorations. Then I make a big breakfast - sausage, bacon, eggs, pancakes, biscuits & gravy (specially made for DD17 as that is her favorite breakfast).

Then going to church if we didn't go on Christmas Eve.

Then getting together with whatever family is in town and enjoying the fun of being together, chatting, laughing, games, little ones wanting to show what Santa brought, playing with their toys, and just having a good time.

BTW - I do not have "normal" kids. My girls have never gotten up early Christmas morning to open gifts nor have the wanted to open them right away. They have always gone to sleep well Christmas Eve and sleep in Christmas morning. I really don't know why. Maybe because I keep the focus on the meaning? Who knows.

[sabimax]

I think seeing the kids excitement as the days get closer....I love to bake cookies..just trying to wait till healthier to bake...(fighting a cold..but now on antibiotics..soo hoping kicks it out of me soon)

baking cookies, family...and hugssss late night mass is wonderful too...guess too many favs to pick one....hehehehe

Been misty with the loss of sister just few months ago...when we took out our tree, and I got out the tree skirt...which Madeline quilted...it is her favorite one she had..she knew I wanted her to make one..that never got done..but few years ago..she needed yet a bigger one as her hubby got a great big tree for there great big room...so she sent me her original one of her....I cherish it...I was holding it for long time before putting it under tree...thinking of how sweet she is...what a great angel she will be!!

hugsss all, sarah

[soxmom]

Im like Sandy........I love it all.

I love baking for those I love.........I love christmas eve at my moms and
dads.........

I love christmas morn with the little ones.....they always wake us up
at 5.lol

I love staying in my pjs and cooking for the afternoon. We gather
around 4 and have a very low key time, usually card games and food!!

Happy holidays to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Twinkletoes]

I really miss those Christmases when we had Santa Claus believers at home.

The grandkids are fun, but we're not there when they go through their stocking. Love to hear the joy in their voices.