Merry Christmas from Portugal

It's the season of giving for everyone and sometimes we just can't seem to make up our minds on gifts to give. I try not to focus so much on the gift but what Christmas means to me at this point in my life. I remember as a child the hot chocolate with marshmallows, Christmas cards but most of all, that cozy feeling that you had from being with your family when you opened presents together.

One of my favorite things since I have been with Jeffrey is making my Christmas card for the holiday. I've always sent cards to the people far and dear growing up. I start them in November because by the time you decide and have them printed, it's December! Time begins to disappear right after Thanksgiving and before you know it, December 24 has arrived.

Jeffrey doesn't understand this process and thinks I'm a nut because I become like a crazy person making up a Christmas card. I start by looking at all the pictures I took for that year and which one would be the most delightful to arrive at your door and put a smile on your face when you receive it? I also try to pick a place that we visited and enjoyed together. Jeffrey is always surprised on how nice he looks ( I Photoshop, him of course) and now wants to send them to everyone he knows and why didn't I order more? I just can't win! I always order from Vistaprint and have never been disappointed.

We left a lot of family behind when I came to the United States and Christmas becomes a time I think of them the most. So my little card becomes a way for me to let the people close to my heart, know that even if we don't speak everyday, or we live so far away, I wish you a Merry Christmas with family and friends!