i'll be home for christmas ...

I am so excited to go home for Christmas this year. It's so fun to be away for so long and then be able to go home at this special time of the year and be with my family. This year, more than ever before, I've realized how special Christmas really is. These last couple of weeks I've been remembering all of the special memories of my childhood at Christmas and how special my parents always made it for us. This year we have a baby in our family and I can't wait to spend the holidays with her. The past few years have been a little boring ... there's just something about children and the spirit of Christmas that makes the holiday that much sweeter.

Last year at this time I was homesick and tired of the city but this year as I've walked the streets I've gained a greater appreciation for this amazing city. Last year I missed all the Christmas lights on everyone's homes but this year I've seen just how many amazing lights are all around me here in the city. I don't have a Christmas tree in my house, but everyday at lunch I can walk a few blocks and see the Rockefeller Christmas tree or walk down the street from our apartment to see the beautiful tree in the arch of Washington Square. I am so grateful to be living in this amazing city.

The one thing I hate about this time of year is that I have to enjoy all the sites and sounds of the city alone. Jason has been hard at work preparing for finals this past month and we haven't been able to do any Christmas shopping together. He works so hard and I am so proud of him and his dedication to his studies. I know someday it will all be worth it but right now I just don't think its fair. Most schools are done with finals the first of December but for some reason NYU Law thinks their students need to work right up until Christmas. Tomorrow Jason will turn in his last final and then we will have one day to enjoy the city together before we leave for home. Just one more year and then we will FINALLY get to enjoy the holidays like a normal couple ... I can't wait.
If we miss saying it to you before we leave or miss seeing you when we are home ... have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope you are able to enjoy the sweet spirit of this time of the year with the ones you love.