I’m such a schmuck

… for this whole holiday thing. I am; I can’t help it. I’m one of those people that gets caught up in the romance and magic that started last night (Thanksgiving Eve) and extends through New Year’s. It’s my favorite time of year.

I was SO excited this morning to see that on this first day of holiday time, it was snowing! And not just kind of. It was snowing giant snowflakes, some stuck, some melted, but either way, it was a perfect way to wake up on Thanksgiving morning.

By the time we finished dinner with the future in-laws (my sister’s boyfriend’s family… relax), it was right around 5pm and there was a light white dusting on the grass and the sun had just come out. It was beautiful. By the time we left, the stars were out and it was cold enough to see your breath, but not so cold your scalp hurt (that’s the worst).

From this point forward, I get totally wrapped up in the snow, the Christmas music, the red, white, green, silver, gold, blue lights and sparkles. I love the cooking and holiday specials on the Food Network, love the Christmas movies on TV. I LOVE Christmas Eve. I love how calm and quiet it is outside in the snowy moonlight, and how boisterous and cheerful it is inside with friends, family, music, stories, kids. I love my family’s traditions – we don’t have many, but what we do have is special.

Our longest-standing tradition occurs on Christmas Eve. After dinner, when we’re all in and settled for the night, we get to open ONE present. The catch is – it’s always pajamas. Always. Sometimese mom picks them out; sometimes we pick out our own. But it’s always pajamas.

New Year’s is probably my favorite holiday. I love being with friends, I LOVE champagne and I absolutely love the magic and romance of the countdown, the promise of a new year and new beginning, the hugs, the kisses, the fireworks.

This is my favorite time of year. And it officially started today.