Treasured Leisure Hours

LOOKING BACK over our lives, no doubt some of the leisure hours that we have treasured the most have occurred during the Christmas season. For many of us, the time we have spent with family and loved-ones gathered around the hearth, the table, or the Christmas tree provides some of our happiest memories.

There's just something special about what many call their favorite time of year. Maybe it's the whole atmosphere surrounding Christmas. It could be the festive spirit, with songs of the season, decorations, and colorful lights. Perhaps it's the anticipation and preparation for the giving of gifts. Without a doubt, sharing wonderful foods that delight the palate have also added to the holiday joy. But, perhaps the best part has been just the pure pleasure of being together as a family - young and old - including opportunities to spend some quality time with individual family members.

So many things come to mind when we think of those treasured leisure hours of Christmases past. Below is a random list - and, it could be much, much longer! Make an attempt to add to the list based upon your own personal experiences . . .

* putting-up the tree

* popcorn

* hanging ornaments, lights, & decorations

* an aunt's dressing & gravy

* sipping hot apple cider

* singing Christmas carols

* dad's M & M's & nuts

* gathering in special geographical locations

* Scotch tape & wrapping paper

* listening to holiday tunes

* eating country ham

* lots of table talk

* joking with an uncle

* mom's homemade fudge

* posing for pictures

* exchanging gifts

* gifts in boxes within boxes

* anticipating Santa's arrival

* lots of hugs & kisses

* finding money between pages in a book

* enjoying a fire in the fireplace

* celebrating the birth of Christ

* shaking wrapped gifts

* traveling from house to house

* leaving milk & cookies for Santa

* cold and snowy weather

* games and puzzles

* delightfully mild weather

* being sneaky & secretive

* huge & wonderful surprises

* faces with looks of astonishment

* full-course home-made Chinese dinners

* hanging the green

. . . And, the list goes on and on! Whatever your memories may be of these extra special occasions and treasured leisure hours, may this Christmas be among your best ever. Have a happy, healthy, and holy holiday season. Merry Christmas!