It’s my favorite time of year again and it makes it even more special to be back home with my family. It was so nice not having to worry about flying home over this busy season, and worrying whether or not the weather will prevent me from making it.

The festivities actually started last weekend with our run club secret Santa party after our Sunday morning run. You know we have some dedicated runners when over a dozen of us show up for a Christmas run when it’s 10 below zero!! Either that or everyone just needed an excuse to indulge in some coffee and goodies afterwards 🙂 It’s fun to dress up and have a good time with the run club. There are always endless laughs and it’s a great way to get out and exercise too. And if you see a bunch of festive runners out tomorrow morning, say hello! Or better yet, join us!!

Today, we ventured to Sioux Falls for Christmas with the Reiffenberger’s. I have a lot of great memories of Reiffenberger Christmases and this year was just as wonderful. Although, while I was opening gifts today and watching others opening there’s, I thought back to when I was a kid and presents were the best part of the holiday. Today, I felt way more excited about just being there and spending time with family than I did opening gifts. I had more fun watching the kids open presents! It reminded me of simpler times and the pure excitement we get over trying to figure out what is under the tree. Can’t wait to experience this with my own kids someday!

The actual holiday itself will be pretty quiet this year I think. My parents are on call, my brother has to work, and my sister will be celebrating with Tanner’s family. While it is fun to have a big get together and go all out, it’s just as nice to have a laidback holiday as well. I’m looking forward to relaxing with some hot chocolate and a good book, or getting some serious work done on my book! We will still have good food, and when my siblings get home later in the week, we will party hard then! 😉

After all, it’s spending time with your loved ones that makes this holiday season so special. Doesn’t matter where you are or what you do, as long as you are together, that’s what’s important!

I hope everyone has a wonderful, wonderful Christmas week, and makes sure to create a few more memories before 2019 comes to an end.

Merry Christmas!!

Megan Reiffenberger