:D Christmas is upon us soon. It always brings back memories of Christmas that have passed. I think about my Mom & Dad and the times together we had when I was a little child. I miss them so much. I can remember when I had my own children and bought them home for Christmas and enjoyed the family being together. Things were different back then. Life is so rushed now and parents work more. Those special Holidays seem to be gone. They've become so commercial and have become a dreaded chore for most of us to get ready for. I work in retail and I hate Christmas time because I have to work such terrible hours that keep me from being with my family. I want to stay home and bake cookies, put up decorations, play Christmas music, watch Christmas movies together and go see Santa. My Mom and my Mother in Law were family oriented and always tried to keep our families together but with them gone, our families have drifted far apart. I count my blessings this time of year that I do have. My husband who is with me, my 2 children who are home living with me, a grandson who grew up in my home, my son who is married and has a son(This was a life long dream of his) my single son who has a beautiful home and has his Doctor of Engineering degree that he worked so hard for and did it on his own. I pray that he is happy. He lives far from me but comes home for the Holidays. I am surrounded with many pets that give me their daily love and affection. This is my Christmas now and I will hold it in my heart with all my memories.