The reason was love

Sparkling lights hang proudly above main street as snowflakes fall softly to the ground

The spirit of Christmas is stirring throughout town

“Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming!” my children exuberantly say

They beg me to make stove top hot cocoa at the end of the school day

Picture-perfect Christmas cards arrive in your mailbox from family and friends

You’re starting to get the energy to decorate your house again

Magazines, flyers, and brochures scream holiday deals you can’t miss

Packages arrive on your doorstep as you mark off your endless lists

Parties, cookie baking, hours of shopping, Barry Manilow’s “White Christmas,” families reunite

Casseroles, hot apple cider, crafting, caroling, family traditions that satisfy and delight

So many tastes and scents this time of year — evergreen, pine, peppermint, cranberry, gingerbread, chestnut, cinnamon — just a few of the season.

The full article is available in our e-Edition. Click here to subscribe.