Christmas Music ... it triggered me

I posted on my sisters Facebook -

Been listening to Christmas music and every time Kenny G's Christmas songs come on I think of you, our shared bedroom, making candy/bread with Grandma Withers, and going to the dollar store and wrapping presents in fast forward motion so none of our siblings would see what they already knew we got them! Merry Christmas! ♥ you!

I can't believe how much a familiar song/melody floods the brain of flash back memories. I didn't do a whole lot yesterday, but downloaded a bunch of Christmas songs onto my iPod. I looked up the best Christmas Albums of all time and Kenny G's Miracles: Holiday Album was on the list. I immediately knew I had to get it because growing up my sister Shantell and Ryan played the saxophone and Shanny had this CD. I think it was the only Christmas CD we really had, and so it was the only thing we played during the holidays.

As I've played my IPod on my dock today, the songs would shuffle through my playlist and every time one of the Kenny G songs came on I was humming along and the memories were so overwhelming I even teared up a few times. (I know, I'm a big baby!)

I don't think there is a better holiday than Christmas. Not only is it so special because it was the birth of Christ. But, in that all the hustle and bustle of Christmas time we have family parties, family traditions and sometimes seems to be too much in one month. It's what I remember most as a kid. It's my favorite times in my life, because we are together as family and friends.

Growing up living in my Dad's parents house, I have even more cherished memories of my grandparents, especially my Grandma Withers. I remember taking evening trips to every single store in town to gather all the ingredients to make fruit cake. I remember staying up late on school nights waiting for the corn syrup and sugar mixture to reach the oh so very important soft stage to make fudge. I remember having to hurry and butter the spoons so we can get the divinity onto the wax paper before it set up. I remember sitting at the counter tap tap tapping away as the melted chocolate was dripping off the pretzels. I remember the smells... I can't even pin point the exact smells but when I think of making candy with her, I have memory of that sweet smell.

I am so extremely grateful to have had the chance to have these extra memories with my Grandma. I know she is how and why I have the talent in baking and cooking.

I'm so thankful for this time of year that we can remember, reflect, and treasure our family, our family traditions, and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I hope you a very Merry Christmas!