Christmas is by far one of my favorite holidays! There is the cold weather, the lights, the gift-giving, the parties, the decorating (YAY!), and general cheer. MMhhh… I love it! When I was younger, my family would spend a whole weekend getting our home ready for Christmas. We have 8 Rubbermaid bins of Christmas stuff- and I am not exaggerating! My dad would do the manly thing and brave the cold northern winter to put up the outside lights, wreaths, and decorations. While my mom, sister, and I would work inside getting the Christmas tree decorated, pictures up, nutcrackers out, and other winter-wonderland making activities. That might be one of favorite
December days!
Now as I look back I am so thankful for my parents and the way they made holidays so special in our home. I am glad I had a place to celebrate and grow up like that.
Just last week I decorated homemade gingerbread homes at a friends house for the first-time ever. It was a great experience, although I must say I decorate like a 5-year old. This was great fun- and I enjoyed making it look crazy and delicious.
The Next day as I was read a blog about Christmas decorating, I came across this article. The first thing I saw was the photos. To me, this was a great reminder about what a home means. I can easily try to picture a home at Christmas and this is the last thing I picture. Yet for many people, even here in Chattanooga, this is the reality; the reality of having no running water, poor 
insulation, and over crowding.
I wish most children could grow up with happy holiday memories like I did. Memories of decorating their HOME for the Holidays.
Help make that dream a reality in Chattanooga. Donate to Habitat for Humanity!
Merry Christmas!
