So, I have an Aunt that I adore very much, who lives in New York. She and I aren’t close at all, and we hardly ever see each other. In fact, I think the last time I saw her was over 13 years ago, I am sure. Talking over the phone is even a rare thing. Usually, I may get to talk to her once a year over the holidays when everyone is over we will call her and all get to talk to her.

I recently read an essay by a fifty-something mom who was nostalgic about longing for the days when her kids were still young enough that every holiday season was filled with their screaming voices, sibling rivalry and oodles of time spent carting them to holiday plays, tree lightings and  menorah ceremonies.

Several months ago I was enraptured by Carnegie Mellon professor Randy Pausch who, after having been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, decided to give his last lecture titled “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.” Standing in front of slides of his CT scans Professor Pausch revealed to the audience that this devastating disease would ultimately claim his life in a matter of months.

As an only child, I remember how much effort my parents put into ensuring that each holiday and special occasion were celebrated in a unique way.  For example, I still associate the smell of rice pilaf with Thanksgiving.  Now that my husband and I have a little boy and a baby girl on the way, we often think about how we can make holidays special and memorable for them.

It can sometimes feel awkward to be a guest in someone else’s home – you want to do everything right, but it can be difficult to know exactly what your hosts expect of you. Some hosts will want to spend every waking moment showing you around, while others will be more comfortable if you take care of your own schedule.

I love the Fall Season!  I love the Fall Season, because it’s when the leaves start to change colors, there is a cool chill in the air, and it’s a time when my family and I do fun holiday activities and spend quality time together.