On Sunday my mom and I went to the Bucs game, which many people know, was not such a hot showing for our boys.  However, it was quality time for me to talk with my mother and spend some time together before I head out of town for Christmas and New Years.  Something she said has stuck with me: 

"Be a blessing.  Be a blessing to everyone you encounter and to everyone you are around."

At this time of year, so many people begin to count their blessings.  I think my blessings come in the many different shapes and sizes of special people in my life.  I truly am blessed to have a large number of friends and family that I love, that I feel close to and connected with, and that I turn to, anytime, for all different kinds of reasons.

I asked some of these people to share their stories of favorite Christmas memories, sights, sounds, smells, tastes, traditions and meanings with me.  I have really enjoyed getting to read their various responses.  Over the next few days I will be sharing their stories with you as we count down the days until Jesus' Birthday.  One thing I learned in church last week is that the 12 days of Christmas actually start on Christmas Day and go to January 6th.  The days leading up to Christmas are Advent.  My 12-posts-of-Christmas will be around Christmas-time and not so concerned with hitting the nail on the head.

Merry Christmas!