{Holiday Spirit, Gingerbread Memories, and a Texas Girl’s Hodgepodge}

Happy Wednesday! With the holidays in full swing, a busy hockey schedule, work projects piling up, and lots of sweet family time, I have been a bit behind in this space. Life has been full in the best ways, but it has definitely pulled me away from my usual blogging rhythm. I am hoping to get caught up this week because I have truly missed reading everyone's blogs and catching up on what you all have been up to. I hope you had the most amazing Thanksgiving, filled with good food, grateful hearts, and time with the people you love. It feels good to be back.

1. What does it mean to have the “holiday spirit”? On a scale of 1-10 how is yours this year? (10 = off the charts, 1 = still looking for it)

For me, having the holiday spirit means leaning fully into the joy of the season, letting your heart soften, slowing down long enough to take in all the little magical moments, and celebrating the goodness of God in the middle of the hustle. It is soaking up the twinkle lights, the traditions, the memories, and the meaning behind it all. It is choosing joy on purpose.

And as for where mine falls on the scale this year, I am definitely an “off the charts” girl. A solid 10, without question. I had my house decorated in early November and I have zero regrets. Not even a little. I love everything this season brings... the cozy lights, the gatherings, the countdowns, the traditions, the giving, the worship, and the way December just feels different. My heart always comes alive this time of year.

2. What is your favorite character from a (December) holiday-themed movie, book, or TV special? Tell us why.

Can I pick a real person? Because if so, my answer is Jesus every single time. He is the reason for the season, the whole foundation of why we celebrate. I love Christmas movies and cute characters as much as anyone, but nothing compares to the wonder of the story of Jesus coming to earth. That truth is what centers my heart this time of year and keeps everything else in perspective.

3. Do you like gingerbread? Are gingerbread houses part of your holiday tradition?

Oh yes, very much so. I love gingerbread anything... cookies, lattes, candles, all of it. And gingerbread houses have been part of our tradition since Mason was a tiny little thing. Every year we gather around the table with way too much candy and icing, and we build the most perfectly imperfect houses. It is messy and sweet and one of my favorite traditions because it has grown right alongside Mason. It is one of those things that marks the season for us.

4. Much of our vocabulary is determined by where we live or where we grew up. What say you...

sprinkles or jimmies? Sprinkles
lightning bugs or fireflies? Lightning bugs
soda or pop? Neither. Everything is “coke” here no matter what it actually is
sneakers, trainers, or tennis shoes? Tennis shoes or sneakers, used interchangeably
sub, hoagie, grinder, or hero? Sub sammiches
freeway, highway, or motorway? Highway
frosting or icing? Icing
sauce or gravy? Gravy

Texas girl through and through.

5. Share a favorite holiday memory from your childhood.

Some of my sweetest childhood Christmas memories come from my Grandma’s house. She had the most unique and magical decorations. I can still picture them so clearly. She had those vintage lighted ceramic Christmas trees that glowed the prettiest colors and shelves filled with Christmas carolers from all different ethnicities, which I thought was so fascinating. Her house felt like a little Christmas museum, warm and full of charm. I would sit and stare at her decorations for the longest time.

But more than that, I loved how our entire family would squeeze into her small house. It was loud and full and joyful. Those moments of being all together, shoulder to shoulder, made it feel like the safest and happiest place in the world. That is the feeling I still chase at Christmas time.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I always say that December has its own kind of pace and you get to choose whether you jump into the chaos or walk slowly with intention. This year, I am choosing slow... choosing peace... choosing time with Jesus first and letting everything else fall where it should. It is amazing how different the season feels when you guard your heart and your time.

As always, I love being part of this sweet mid-week community, and I am linking up with Joyce at From This Side of the Pond for this week's Hodgepodge. Thank you for stopping by and spending a little bit of your day here. I cannot wait to catch up on your posts and see how everyone is celebrating this beautiful season. Wishing you a cozy, joy filled week ahead!