Christmas Memories, 2008 - Megan

This post comes all the way from Florida, and Megan is the author as she lives there. She's Kay & Mike's youngest daughter and one of her goals is to visit every state in the U.S. She's already been to places I haven't and that's great, 'cause she can send me pictures for the blog, and we can all see these states that way. She does plan on being home for Christmas and I look forward to seeing her at Mom's on Christmas Eve.

What was your favorite Christmas as a child? I honestly have to say I've loved every Christmas I've had. It is my favorite time of the year. But I believe this one will top the cake because I missed out on Thanksgiving with my family because I'm here in Florida and I have never been more thankful to Celebrate the holidays with my loved ones then I am this year.

What gift didn't you get that you really wanted? This may sound awful, but I normally always get what I ask for :) What made Christmas special? Being with my family makes Christmas special.

What are your favorite foods during this special time of year? NUTS ROLLS! MEXICO WAY!!!! It used to be ham and all the traditonal holiday foods however my family now has prime rib, twice backed potatoes, tuna noodle salad, rolls... oh my goodness I'm getting so hungry thinking about it. What are your least favorites? I could go without the yams.

Do you open gifts Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? Or both? We open pajamas on Christmas eve and the remaining gifts on christmas morning.

Where do you spend Christmas Eve and what are the Christmas Day rituals in your home? Christmas Eve is always spent at Mamaw's house. Which I look forward to every year. And our rituals... I wake up first. Wake everyone up. Separate gifts. Eat nut rolls and then open presents. We open pajamas every christmas eve. We eat mexico way for christmas eve every year.

Do you decorate? Inside? Outside? Both? both

Are you gearing back this year due to the economy? Now that gas prices are so low, I've had a lot more money and the economy seems to be improving What adjustments are you making?When gas prices went to $4... I honestly only went to work and back and cut expenses wherever I could. But now that things seem to be back on track, I spend my money as I'd like to. Which to be honest, I love to save :)

Hello Family, Merry Christmas!!! I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas this year!!

I just wanted to add that looking on this site first and foremost brought some tears for sure. Happy tears and sad tears. Happy tears to remember all the wonderful times all of us spent together, as well as my family and I. And sad tears because life goes by so quickly. I have been in Florida now for almost 9 months....1200 miles away from your family. And let me tell you, it has been the hardest yet bravest accomplishment of my life. Being away from my family every year has really brough the realization that all that matters in this world is family. Of course we don't see them as often as we'd like to, but it's the times we spend with them that are most important. I was talking to my mom today on the phone (as i always do. I love you mom :) ) and I kept asking "We're going to Mamaw's for Christmas Eve right?!?".. and the reason I am so anxious to know is because I get to see so many of you. And honestly.. looking at the photos on this site and thinking back to how wonderful it was for EVERY one of us to be in the same room at the same time.. picking names from a hat and buying gifts.. and just spending the entire day together was amazing. For awhile, that never used to happen. And now, quite a few of us end up together at Mamaw's for the Christmas Eve special of Mexico Way. In which I still look around the room thankful for the fact that all of us are together. Just as my mom said.. if we could all just put down our differences and reunite.. if only one more time.. I think it would be magnificent. Because I know spending Christmas eve with those of you I do.. Is one of the days I look forward to most every year. I love you all so much.

Have a Merry Christmas

Love, Megan