Growing up, one think I looked forward to the most during the holiday season was seeing all the Christmas lights in the city. Since Hong Kong is surrounded by skyscrapers, it is one way for companies and developers to promote their business that way, but it does not take away from the holiday spirit. Walking through the city during this time of the year is truly magical and it is one thing I can never get tired of.

Christmas in my family is laced with traditions, beginning roughly ten years before I was born. Specifically, I mean spending a week or two at our cabin near Trinity Lake in the mountains of northern California. This includes three generations of our family, and used to be four (though that was a long time ago, almost before my memory). Grandma and Grandpa Lombardi, their daughter Aunt Teri, her husband Uncle Steve, my parents Troy and Mavis, my brother Anthony, and I, all crowded into a mostly-wood cabin for upwards of a week. That's not even including my grandparents several successive pairs of dachshunds, who like to bark a lot. We love them though, Edi and Risky ("Business") are always warm on our laps.

Christmas Eve is fun, involving moving presents under and around the tree, plus opening one present per person. Usually its at the giver's discretion as to which one is opened, but that tradition was adopted from Uncle Steve's family but we only know his brother Roger. In addition to the previous mentions, another tradition on the 24th is the enjoyment of Old-Fashions (an alcoholic cocktail), even the children have been allowed to partake if we chose. I never appreciated it until I was older though. 

In the morning, my brother and I used to race downstairs attempt to wake everyone up, there was no time to waste. More recently, we sleep in more than most and come down at our leisure. What follows is always a comforting sight, presents under the tree, lights on, everyone under blankets and eating a nice breakfast usually composed of scones and mimosas (cinnamon rolls too, if we're lucky).

Most of the day has been taken up by the ritual circle of present-opening. One present per person at a time, so we can appreciate the gift, as well as the reaction. However, this can lead to people running out of presents to open, and thus being skipped once they run out. We could replace that method, but I wouldn't know what would take its place. The rest of the 25th is dedicated to trying out our gifts, as well as preparing dinner. This is typically Steve's amazing ribs, methodically and scientifically barbecued using home-mixed seasoning rub.

All that takes place at Trinity, so it's unusual for the whole thing to be in Auburn this year, on account of my brother and I working at the same time, for the first time ever. Grandpa Toby told me that if I couldn't make the journey to the Cabin, no one would. I was incredibly touched, and it reinforces the idea that he and I are really good friends.

Thanks for reading.

Hello everyone! Yes, it is that time of year again where all the stores put out all that good and glittery home decor, knit stockings, and ornaments galore! Every year I love to set up the Christmas tree and adorn my walls with as much decor as possible. To answer your question, yes, I am one of those crazy holiday decorators. I have definitely gone overboard in prior years during the holidays, and this year is no exception. Slowly, but surely, I am incorporating my hoard of Christmas decor and little trinkets all over the house. 

For me, the holidays are a time to go big or go home, and I definitely will splurge that money to do so! One of these days I will certainly have to extend my crazy holiday decor from the interior of the house to the exterior, as I have yet to experience the joy of hanging thousands of twinkling lights along the rooftop. 

My question for y'all, of course, is to what extent do you consider to be a "crazy" display of holiday cheer? I am dying to know what limits everyone places on their holiday spirit and/or holiday decorating budget. Are you a Grinch or a Cindy Lou Who?

Happy Holidays Y'all :)