Ever since I was a little girl, I've had a deep love for Christmas. The smell of fresh cut trees, dazzling lights, decorations, sipping on hot cocoa by the fire, and watching lots of Hallmark movies are a few of my favorite things during the holiday season. 

It's that time of year that puts an extra twinkle in my eyes and a little more pep in my step. The sound of holiday music echoing throughout the day warms my heart-and rejuvenates my soul.

My spirit is entrenched in the joy that consumes me and I bask in every second of it. I remember when I was growing up, and as Christmas drew near, my anticipation and excitement became contagious to the rest of my family.

The middle of November marked the beginning of Christmas for me, and it started to look a lot like Christmas in my mind, as I precisely arranged every aspect of the day. My thorough thoughts were so (vivid and crystal clear) enchanting to say the least. It was absolutely the most wonderful time of the year! Magical and mystical in every sense of the words. 

Growing up, even when times were tough and my parents could not afford a new tree one year-I asked my Dad to find and cut a fresh tree. We lived in the country so that year was an extreme bonus for us (sweet country living) at its finest with a free Christmas tree.

But, not just any tree, it was quite a special tree that is forever ingrained in my memory bank. I'm not exactly sure what my Dad was thinking that year on his adventurous search for the perfect tree, but he arrived home with a pine tree! And we literally had a Charlie Brown Christmas, in all its splendor.

As he walked through the door, the fresh pine scent filled the house with a strong aroma (that I can still smell). It's the smell of sweet memories at Christmas time that takes me back to my precious childhood, and brings me overwhelming tears of joy. I told my brother that we would make it the most beautiful tree anyone has ever seen.

And we did just that, I was so proud of that tree, and us. Despite it being a Charlie Brown tree-I didn't let that ruin the joyous occasion. In fact, my excitement grew stronger and I begin to count down the days until Christmas. 

Many years later, I still have the same delight and get to experience it with a family of my own. Wrapping gifts is therapy for me, and creating spectacular family moments in my home is dear to my heart.

There's something about the holiday season that is breathtaking in a way that surpasses my own understanding at times, and that's when I put things in perspective, it's the birth of Jesus Christ. It's a time of celebration that I embrace unapologetically. 

I always envisioned my own home decorated in all its glory with multiple trees, 3 to be exact with white and multicolored lights in various shades of hues. Nothing touches my heart more than hearing my almost 3 year old daughter's feet tap the floor while she runs to see the lights each night, as Christmas quickly approaches.

The precious sound of pitter-pat through our home and the mouthwatering smell of fresh baked cookies from the oven lets me know, everything is all right and peace exudes from within me. Those are moments that I'm so thankful for and extremely blessed-I want to freeze those memories in time. Bottle them up, and keep them tucked away in a safe place forever. 

It is my wish that everyone gets a chance to experience some type of holiday cheer. Spreading love and joy is absolutely delightful and all is well (within my soul) when I give back to someone else, or brighten their holiday season with positivity and hope.

Allowing my own light to shine and beam on someone else is a Christmas miracle, a huge token of gratitude for someone that could be momentous, and a beacon of hope that could change the trajectory of someone's holiday season. 

How are you celebrating this magical time of year? What are some of your favorite Christmas goodies?