Faithful readers, I can hardly believe that Christmas is just a few days away.

Those of you that celebrate Hanukkah already had the pleasure of doing so and for me, my big winter holiday is just around the corner.

Christmas means many things to many people. For me, it has always been about family. Of course, over the years, that means something different depending on who is where, and who is able to come home.

This year, I will be spending the holiday with my parents and my two dear sisters will be spending it in their faraway homes.

Of course, distance doesn't mean much when you are talking about family, so I will be remembering the holidays we spent together as children and how magical the whole world seemed then.

Christmas Eve was the one night my parents would let us keep the Christmas tree lights on all night and we would get up very early in the morning (of course) to open present. We would sit there in the morning darkness while my Dad made his coffee and wiggle around on the couch, waiting for present time.

Over the years, we added friends, boyfriends, and husbands - but I still really cherish that ritual. In my own home, I keep my Christmas lights on every night. It's my way of keeping that magic alive.

Friends - thank you for a wonderful year. I hope that you keep the magic alive in your homes and hearts this holiday.