I always loved the holidays from when I was little until I was an adult with my own little kids. I have mixed feelings now that the kids are older. There's isn't the magic and excitement there once was; wish lists are negotiated instead of mailing them to Santa. Decorating has become a chore. We used to put on Christmas music and have good family time decorating the tree and in front of the house. No one is going to ask me to read Christmas stories over spiced cider in front of a crackling fire. But it still stirs memories in all of us and though the whole season isn't magical anymore there are moments here and there that sparkle.