We hope 2005 has brought many blessings to your family. With the holiday season upon us, we wanted to take this moment to stop and reconnect with you, our readers, by sharing some of our own favorite holiday memories and traditions.

Linda Chrystal. Mother of 2 daughters, Lori and Lana, and Grandmother of 3: Ryan, Michael and Heather. "I remember when my children were young and we would drive north to Apple Hill to play in the snow and chop down our Christmas tree. We would drink apple cider, pick apples, and bring them home and make apple pies." 

Jeni Cleveland. Mother of 2 son: Tevan 5 and Jeremiah 5 months. "I'm looking forward to the baby's first Christmas and our first Christmas in our own home, spending time with family."

Steve (and Diane) Dozier. Father of 2 children: Amanda 22 and Eric 20. "I remember the first Christmas when the kids really knew Santa. The looks on their faces when they realized what was happening was priceless."

Michelle (and Jose) Enciso. Mother of 3 children: Sarah 11, Asher 9, and Zephan 6. "Our family looks forward to doing Secret Santas beginning December 1st. After drawing names from a hat, we do secret special things for each other (making the bed, leaving affectionate notes, etc.) until Christmas Eve when we surprise our special person with a gift."

Sharon and Donald Gowan. Parents of: Jacob 14 and Melina 10. "There's usually hot mulled cider on the stove, cookies and a gingerbread house. This year I'm looking forward to playing Christmas music on the piano with Jake on the violin and Mia on the saxophone.

Gigi Lee. Mother of 8-month-old fox terrier, Zoe. "I remember my parents giving my older sister, Anita, and me the same gifts: same pajamas, jackets, shoes - all the same - just different sizes."

Patti (and Al) Ramos. Mother of 4 children: Paul 17, Liz 15, Phil 12, and Ali 9. "We decorate our tree together with the many special ornaments--some homemade and some with photos--that we have collected over the years. Going down memory lane with my children is priceless."

Jaime (and Steve) Smedes. Mother of 3 sons: Grant 9, Eric 6, and Ryan 4. "Christmas Eve is a special time for our family. On Christmas Eve we each select one special gift from under the tree to open. Then at bedtime, we set out milk and cookies for Santa."

Happy Holidays from Your Friends at Family-Life Magazine!