(Ended) Countdown Contest: 6 Days Until Christmas

[missangie]

We're almost there. The hustle and bustle is almost over. In the midst of all the craziness during the holiday season, what is your magical moment? It seems we go, go, go every year at this time with so much to do and so little time to really enjoy all that the season has to offer, but there is always that one moment we look forward to each year whether it be an event like a Christmas party or something as simple as that first kiss under the mistletoe.

I love it when my kids run into our bedroom on Christmas morning more awake and ready to get the day started than any other day of the year. We come downstairs in our PJ's to see what there is under the tree. We take tons of pictures and enjoy the exchange of gifts. That time is wonderful to me! :love:

What's your magical moment during the holiday season? Post it here for a chance to win. One winner will be randomly selected at contest end.

Standard Rules Apply:

http://sunshinerewardsforum.com/showthread.php?t=17569

[disney_girl]

I would have to say that moment of excitement in my son's eyes when he sees what was left under the tree! He runs around so excited saying thank you to Santa. I look forward to that morning when we can just relax and open presents, take pictures and just have fun together! It makes all the craziness worth it for me!

[lkturner]

My favorite memory was 11 yrs ago when our son was only 3 and the excitement of Christmas was overwhelming! On Christmas morning our son looked in his stocking, pulling out a huge shiny apple, and in a sea of unopened gifts from Santa, he sniffed the apple and said,
"mmmm, smells pwitty good!" I loved that! :)

[kimbih]

We have elves in our house who do crazy things or bring small gifts/candy for our 2 kids. I love that my kids really believe they come to life at night (& knowing that they report back to Santa has helped settle a few sibling fights:rotfl: ) My son is getting older and I don't know how much longer he will believe in elves and Santa so I really treasure the time now.

[dparra]

this year's magical moment will be thanks to the "big surprise" (well it's still quite small but will rock our world in 9 months!) dh and i will share with our family christmas morning ;)

[PSL1013]

My magical moment has recently become a tradition in the past 4 years since my son moved out on his own....we get together Christmas morning for breakfast of my Egg Casserole and Mimosa's and exchanging of our gifts. It's just amazing to me to think that he was once so little and now he is grown and about to be married come next September....I do miss the past but looking forward to our new traditions in the future! :christmas:

[tarheelpat]

At bedtime on Christmas Eve, my DH reads the Christmas story from Luke and "The Night Before Christmas." I always take a picture. We've gone from little boys in footed PJs to people bigger than us, but we still do it every year!

[jendon1997]

I enjoy the visits to Santa at the mall. This is the first year DD4 will actually sit on his lap. To see the delight on her face as soon as she sees him is priceless!!

[Candi]

It's hard to pick one because there are lots of magical moments during this season. My favorite, is watching the kids see the presents on Christmas morning. The excitement of it all. I also love watching them get excited over their gifts.

[fourfoxesinpa]

On DS's first Christmas, he received a hand puppet in the shape of a Fox. It immediately became our tree topper and it's my Magical Moment when he puts it on top of the tree. For several years, Daddy had to hold him high on the ladder to put it up and now he's tall enough to reach the treetop himself. I get nostalgic each year watching him reach that top easier and easier. :cry:

[rumrunnergirl]

Going to church on Christmas Eve - it's just awesome! And really reinforces the true meaning of Christmas and the Reason for the Season!

Then, of course, the next day - watching the kids open their presents. ;)

dparra - CONGRATS!

[wilsonfamily4]

It was a few days ago when it started to snow. My son came in our room in the morning and we told him to go look outside. He ran to the window and said "it's snowing! It's CHRISTMAS!" That was the "yes, it is" moment.

(((It's snowing again right now. Really makes it feel like a real holiday. We NEVER EVER have sticking snow on Christmas. So cool.)))

[bbangel]

This years most special memory so far is when I got my first Christmas card from my best friends daughter. She is three and was able to sign her name for the first time. So sweet.

[disneymomma]

I guess the most special moment for me, besides the race to the presents Christmas morning, is the Christmas Eve service at our church. It's an hour to stop rushing around, relax, and reflect on the true meaning of all the craziness.

[llmedic36]

I love it when my grandchildren open that one present that they wanted but had no idea they were getting!The look on their face is priceless!! Lynn

[faithhope]

Hard to pick just one moment....

If I have to choose just one... the setting up of the tree. We have stories and memories to go with each ornament, and we pause to remember the memory attached to the ornament... some are from my grandmother, some from my parents, some from my childhood, and some from my kids. We try and add a special ornament each year.

We take turns putting the ornaments on as Christmas music plays and we drink warm drinks, and nosh on Christmas cookies.

[jo93]

The best part for me is Christmas Eve at my moms when all the grandkids take turns reading the Christmas story before opeing presents. Even though some of them are teenagers and older they still enjoy this tradition.

[luvdisney00]

I would have to say the children's mass on Christmas Eve. We go every year and we see all of our friends and take an hour to let the true meaning of Christmas sink in. It's always crowded, but we enjoy it so much.

The other thing is how excited the kids get on Christmas morning, and the homemade cinnamon rolls we eat after presents!

[sselig2000]

I agree, sooo hard to choose just one. I think mine is when my daughter wakes up Christmas morning, and comes down the stairs. The Tree can be seen beautifully from the top of the stairs, and I always have all of the lights off except for the tree lights so with the extra addition of Santa Gifts under the tree it is so pretty. Her little face just lights up and she justs stops to admire for a minute before "tearing in" I get up early just to see that one look on her face, that one moment of wonder on her face. Definately makes it all worth while:) Even more so, because she is eight now, and already starting to grow away.

[jl8595]

My #1 favorite moment is Christmas morning when we open the doors to the living room and the girls get a glazed look on their face as they stare at the tree and it's goodies.

A close second favorite moment happens leading up to Christmas. After wrapping a cluster of gifts, I'll let the girls put them under the tree. I love watching them as they chatter between each other quietly and excitedly about which gift is for who, etc. Too fun!

[Soccer Princess]

I love driving around looking at all of the Christmas lights/decor on Christmas Eve! :)

[linanglab]

We go downtown Cincinnati and look at the lights, then get some hot chocolate at one of the malls. We sip it and watch all of the Christmas shoppers, listen to the Christmas music, etc. The kids LOVE this part of our tradition!

[mollyeilis]

I already had it, as we put the Yule-based topper on our Yule tree. For the FIRST time, DS was able to participate. Last year we had a tiny apt so we didn't have a Yule tree, and the year before that he was only 2 and I wasn't willing to have him knock the tree over, and before that he was 1 and we had the tree in a locked room LOL, and the year before that he was only 6 months old! So this was the first year he could do it and he did it perfectly, and it was very very cool. :)

[zoodoyle]

On Christmas morning, at my parents house - we always get a picture of the kids at the top of the stairs, before they come down to see what Santa left them under the tree - We have the same picture of me and my siblings from every year when we were younger!! :love:

[tinad171972]

I get my kids new pajamas for Christmas every year and its the one present the open on Christmas Eve. They know they are getting them and they are excited to get them and seeing their faces when they open them is just priceless to me.

[mia214jia]

Christmas Magic has already hit the Arnold home :D And has DD10 believing again!
~ This past tuesday the girls were home from school due to icy road conditions. And in my browsing the web I found a Letter from Santa the I could just insert thier name, a present they wanted and a friends name.
So while they were busy playing I managed to get 3 made (DS was taking a nap) and "hide" the letters in thier room.
About a hour later DD7 went to her room and caught a glipse of a paper she hadnt seen before and came running in her to me gasping and excited saying "MOMMA, Look Santa came and left me a letter!" Her eyes were filled with wonder and excitement that sent DD10 to her room. When she came to me she was shaking. :banana: And also was excited. Later when DS3 awoke neither his sister told him of his letter (that they went hunting for).He did find his letter and wanted to wait for daddy to read it to him when he got home from work. And he took it to bed with him.
Thier excitement can be felt everyday now. ~ I even found a "note" the DD10left in her room for Santa. Thanking him for leaving her a note. :angel:

[spring]

Watching the excitement in my granddaughter's eyes when they awaken Christmas morning and before they go downstairs is magical to me.:love:

[speechteachri]

I have 2...

First is at Christmas Eve Service at church, when we sing Silent Night to candlelight...that always gets me.

Second is back at home on Christmas Eve, after the last of the gifts are wrapped, and DH and I finally take the time to sit down with just the Christmas tree lights on, and enjoy a quiet moment together.

[JillyFish]

Well, once the hustle and bustle of all the preparations is over, I love going to church on Christmas Eve and singing Christmas carols. Reflecting on the words of the songs puts the whole celebration into perspective for me.

[deana]

My children are 6 and 9. Each year my husband makes "snow tracks" that start in the driveway and come across our deck, (we do not have a chimney so he has a key to our house) and into our home....snow that santa has on his boots from the north pole. The reactions from the kids each year is priceless.

[emtntn]

I always love the look on the kids faces when they see what is under the tree. This year will be really special for my 2 year old, she is so excited about Santa.

[jen2kids]

My magical Christmas moment is making cookies on Christmas Eve with my children and husband . When the whole family is over for dinner on Christmas the kids are so anxious to put them out for everyone to enjoy!

[mmm611]

I'm not sure I have a current one, but back when we had to travel at Christmas, my most magical moment was when Santa came. It was always a shock because it was early due to the travel, but my brothers and I never knew exactly when it would be. It made things all that much more exciting.

[froggi999]

my magical moment is has changed over the years as my son has grown into a man, but the basic magic is still there...enjoying the special time with my son especially watching him still open his christmas stocking. i miss the times of seeing christmas through the eyes of a child, but i still feel the magic of the love.

[Hedy]

See the boys and Dniece-every year a little bigger, more adult, but still wonderful.

[askomsky]

Hands down the kids on Christmas morning. Watching them get excited over each present.

Christmas is so much fun with the kids!

[gpp2001]

I love watching DD open her presents and then when she is finished, she watches as her Dad and I open our gifts!

[MdCaterer]

I love when we read The Night Before Christmas, put out cookies and milk and my son hangs his stocking. He always has a present for Santa and the anticipation and excitement is running high. That is my magical moment!

[Blessing and Miracle]

I love that the night before I can't sleep. I stay awake all night anxiously awaiting morning. It's all about seeing the joy, excitement and happiness of our children. I always wait until everyone else open their presents before I open mine. The presence of our family surrounding each other, is one of the greatest gifts of all.

[memanana]

My special moment is when we are all at my brothers for Christmas Eve. It is especially nice when loved ones who travel from afar can make it. Our parents are getting up in age and it is so nice to still have them with us And when we remember those who have deceased and all the memories of Christmas's past.

[fanofree]

Magical moments - there are so many!

Black Friday shopping with DD. We don't necessarily want any of the big draw items - we just go for fun and to be together. (And to get the Disney snow globe at that department store.)

My Dad's decorating. He spends days putting lights outside his house and the end result is amazing. No blow ups or yard ornaments - just lots of lights on all the bushes. He also covers the inside tree with so many white lights it is hard to find room for the ornaments.

Giving to others. My work place has a holiday luncheon. For the past few years we have been picking a charity and provide what ever they request. We work this charity into the theme of the luncheon and every department participates. This year we loaded over a hundred boxes (the type copy paper comes in) with personal care products, school supplies and clothing basics for a local shelter. "Giving is the Best Gift." Instead of sharing gifts within our department, we give to a family that is in need. This program is through the Salvation Army. When things get tough - it is good to remember I am not asking for paper towels and laundry soap for Christmas!

Christmas day - DD is old, so we get up whenever. I always watch the Disney Parade in the morning. We all get together and open gifts, usually eating some sweet junking breakfast pastry we've made from scratch as brunch. We spend the day together and have a wonderful dinner with four generations.

[stacieps]

I love Christmas specials, so we pick a day to watch a few of our favorite ones. We've actually watched a few tonight since we getting a ton of snow!

[sammielynn]

On Christmas Eve we sit on the sofa and read four books. My parents gave the boys the books when they were 4 and 6. Now that they are 17 and 19 we still have to read our books. We always end with the story about the birth of Chirst.

[~Kathie]

My extended family including many from out of town, gather at our house Christmas night. We eat, exchange presents and have a wonderful time.

[mseg16222]

The kids get up real early and don't want to wake us at 5am LOL, so they sit on top of the steps with flash lights to see the gifts downstairs under the tree. (we have a rule that the kids don't go down stairs till we are up). I love looking out of our room seeing them whispering with their flash lights.

[luvhockey]

My favorite is watching my boys put the cookies & milk out for santa.
Then sprinkle oats outside for the reindeer before being tucked in bed.

[chrissylou2]

I actually enjoy the late night of Christmas Eve getting everything set up and hopefully this year I can get some sleep, with three kids sometimes we cant even see the poor Christmas tree. LOL

Chrissy

[pbhall13]

I am going to go with this afternoons/evening activities......the girls went sledding and came in the door with those rosey cheeks.......and then sat down to some lasagna I had just taken out of the oven........and they ate every last bite (seconds for sydney).....then we made some hot chocolate and they had oatmeal choc. chips cookies for dessert

We then watched a few christmas shows and now they are tucked into bed......

I just love moments like these!!

[Arky]

I love being at my Grandma's house for Christmas. There are now 22 of us there and the house gets loud and crowded, but it's fun. They live in a small town so we have nothing to do, but be together. We talk, catch up, play games, and just are together. I love that about Christmas. Since my grandparents are 86, we don't know how many more we will get to have together. I do love my family.

[bartleby1]

I love going to my mom's on Christmas eve for dinner, nothing special, just sandwiches and maybe some baked ziti and a couple of cocktails.:redwine: I am somewhat of a procrastinator and as much as I'd love to finish shopping, wrapping, baking, etc, early, I never seem to get it all done until the last minute. It has to be done before we go out visiting on Christmas Eve because we don't get home until after midnight.

When we arrive at my mom's, it always feels like such a relief that the holiday stress is done and I can finally relax and enjoy myself. The hustle and bustle of the season is over for me and the true fun can begin.

[arob414]

There are so many moments but I think I look forward to Christmas evening as much as other time. All the work is over and I can enjoy a cup of coffee while watching my children enjoying their presents. And, they are my favorite Christmas present.

[Belle]

I love going to midnight mass. I also love seeing DD's face light up on Christmas morning.

[OhMari]

On Christmas Eve Day, I always tried to have everything done by noon so we all could sit and watch a good Christmas movie or show. I just wanted everyone to wind down from all the hustle and busy lives we all have. Then we would all start getting ready for Mass at 4:00 p.m. This was my favorite time, before all the craziness had to start up again.

[missangie]

The winner for this contest is Post #4. . .kimbih.

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