Holiday Traditions

     Since we're in the midst of the holiday season, what traditions do you enjoy with your family and friends?  Is there something you look forward to every year?  I don't know about you, but the first Saturday in December is one that I always look forward to.  That's because it's the Westerville Christmas Spectacular.  It's also because my nephew Matt is a part of the production as a dancer.  That's him over there in the picture wearing the red and black outfit, by the way.  Notice how he effortlessly picks up that young girl and keeps on keeping on.  Yep...that's my nephew, alright!  You rock, Matt!!
     The Westerville Christmas Spectacular has been around for I have no idea how many years, but we've been enjoying it since we moved here to Ohio.  It's been a lot of fun watching the dancers as they grow up on that stage. We may only see them once a year (besides Matt, of course), and we may not personally know each other, but I recognize the changes.  It amazes me when I see a little girl carrying a bear around, so unsure of herself and then five years later dancing with amazing grace and confidence.
     I can only imagine all of the work that goes into a production like this, and our family appreciates every bit of it.  Each year a Westerville charity organization or family in need is chosen to help as a way to give back to the community, and that is an added bonus to this amazing show.  To me, helping out is a given any time of year, but for it to coincide with a fun event like this is an added bonus.
     From dancing penguins and elves to dolls and reindeer, this is a great performance!  Let me tell you, though, it's so good that it's hard for me to contain myself in my seat!  I've done good over the years tapping my toes and doing a little hopefully unnoticed seat wiggle dancing, but I'm afraid one of these days I'll be jumping up to dance the Elf Lean.  Yep.  I can see it now...
     So folks, what do you enjoy doing this time of year?  I don't mean the rushing around stuff where you feel the need to get all of the decorations up, the presents bought, and everything just so.  Relax!  Do you bake cookies? String popcorn? Support your community in some way? Cozy up in front of the fire or at the table and play board games?  Don't forget the hot chocolate and marshmallows!  There are so many fun activities going on!  Pick one...something you haven't done before, even.  Make some memories.  You'll be glad you did.
     Next weekend I'll be at the Adena Mansion in Chillicothe to help with their Breakfast with Santa event.  That's a new one for me, maybe even a new tradition.  Who knows...but I will tell you I plan on having a great time and enjoying myself.  Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy time with family and friends.  I don't know about you, but I'm feeling a need to do the Elf Lean again.  Smiling & Waving, Sharon 
     
     

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