I always have mixed feelings about the holidays.

First, I absolutely love the season. I love the snow, the lights, the Christmas trees, the hustle and bustle, everything. It's a time when you get to see people either frustrated at shopping, or love the idea of why they are shopping. Those balance each other out. My lights are up. My tree is up. My presents are wrapped (excepted for the ones for my friends). Cards are sent, and being received.

Who cannot LOVE this season.

That would be my other side of the holidays. My family are 3800 miles away in Portland. It does make me sad to know I can't be in the living room in the morning with my brothers, sisters, niece, and parents Christmas morning. I miss midnight mass. I miss my mom's strange Christmas foods. I miss playing cards with my brothers and dad until 4 in the morning, because they knew I wouldn't go to sleep.

It's a tough balance between living your life far away from your family, and creating that new life where you live. It's one that I have done for almost 10 years. You think I'd be a pro by now. haha.

I know others have it much worst then I could imagine during the holidays. My only personal salvation is helping in the "soup" kitchen during these days. It makes me appreciate that my friends are there. My family will always be there.

Happy Holidays everyone.

~Philly