Why I Love Christmas!

Christmas is my favorite holiday of all! Living most of my life in states that had snow (NY, NC, IN, AK), there’s nothing better than crisp air, crunchy snow, and twinkling lights. Alaska was extra special because they had the northern lights. (That is something everyone should experience at least once! It’s such a peaceful, whisping, moving experience!) I look forward to my first Christmas in Houston, TX with no snow…gasp! scary!

For most, this time of year represents family and good food. I remember my grandparents coming over to our house in New York. Granddad would wear a red plaid robe and a santa hat. My grandmother would start singing Christmas songs in her Lena Horne voice. The house smelled so good!

My sister and I had been good all year. We BELIEVED in Santa and anticipated LOTS of presents. I think one year they reached as high as the ceiling. Each carefully balanced one on top of the other to form a pyramid of joy. The light from the fireplace made each package glisten and sweetly dance to my little childhood heart’s excitement. I remember sitting in our little matching night gowns waiting for everyone to come downstairs so we could rip open our presents.

 

The True Meaning of Christmas!

Growing up we knew that Christmas was to celebrate Jesus’ birthday. I remember being so thankful for Jesus because that meant he shared his presents with us! Ha! Years later, Kirk Franklin came out with ‘Jesus is the reason for the season’ I played the CD over and over. But my favorite song of his is ‘Now Behold the Lamb.’ I’m listening to it as I write this, and it makes my heart happy. You can listen to it here.

 

Christmas as an Adult

With my own children, I try to emulate what my parents did. To generate that level of excitement and belief in something not seen. I take photos every year of my family. The more professional I’ve become, they have gotten so much better. But I cherish “not-so-good” photos from the polaroid, or target camera too. Why? Because it brings back memories. Memories of that time when things were happy, kids were good, love was all around. Images of what my tree used to look like years ago, what wrapping paper I used, did we have a fireplace, did we have a dog, how young we all looked, the kids favorite gifts? Those are what are truly special to me.

Christmas Photographs

There are so many reasons why I love photography.  I love to make people smile and laugh. I want to add a few professional images to your polaroid/iphone ones. They make for a great album. My Home for the Holidays sessions are now available here. Pricey for some at $450, but they are magical! It is a great way to freeze a moment in time. In 20 years, your children will look back at how much love was around them. It is THE GIFT you give to your family!

Northern Lights in Alaska