There's no place like home for the holidays

As the "world" (aka the Pacific NW) goes mad from being forced to slow down under a foot of powdry white stuff in cities and towns that are not "snow removal equipped", I can't help but be thankful A) that I was fortunate to have my travels plans beat Mother Nature home, B) that my shopping was done long ago, C) that I have an even more legitimate excuse to stay home and "do nothing" with the family. Which leads me to a few of my favorite things about being home for the holidays (in no particular order ...)

1. CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS - you know, the ones that have been around ever since you were a kid and which therefore incite all kinds of warm holiday fuzzies.

2. MY PARENTS' COUCH - The newly acquired one, which therefore holds little to no sentimental value at all, but which wraps you in it's fabricated softness nonetheless and reminds you that "there's no place like home, there's no place like home ..."

3. SLEDDING with the family at the first sight of snow ... and down hills that can hardly be considered more than slight inclinations, but loving every minute nonetheless.

4. BAKING and COOKING with the Mom and the rest of the crew, and chatting with anyone and everyone else hanging around aimlessly in the kitchen.

5. MY BED. If my bed in Geneva is the most comfortable bed in the world, my bed here at home must be the most comfortable bed in the universe. Especially with the amazing new sheets Mom supplied.

6. RUNNING INTO FAMILIAR FACES. I've been reminded that if ever anyone were feeling even the slightest bit lonely, all one need do is take a wander through good 'ol Central Market to see more friendly faces from "times gone by" than you ever remember knowing.

7. MORNING PANCAKE BREAKFASTS with the family. Or perhaps French Toast. No further explanation needed.

8. The excitement of getting HOLIDAY GREETINGS IN THE MAIL, staring in amazement at "how big everyone's gotten" and enjoying hearing what friends and family have been up to through "old fashion blogs" ... aka good 'ol traditional Christmas letters.

9. The annual RYAN CHRISTMAS BASH, gathering the whole gigantic crew around six different dining tables spread over two houses for a feast of food and laughter before being entertained by all the little ones' various talent performances, Christmas carols and Santa's arrival for the sharing of gifts beside the tree.

10. BASKING IN THE COMPANY OF FAMILY - rambunctious dogs, marshmallow fights, viscious Wii battles, movie nights, last minute shopping, sledding, gingerbread man assembly and board games included.

Indeed, there's no place like home for the holidays.