My Favorite Holiday Gift Was...

[Jennie]

...a magnetic peace sign given to me by my daughter. I've been seeing other vehicles with these magnetic peace signs on them, but I did not know where to get one. The ones I had seen were solid pastel colors.

My daughter knew I wanted one, and she found out where to buy them: Vermont Peace Works

She got me the tie-dyed one which looks really cool on my black stationwagon.

Here's a picture of them. They seem to be popular here on the East Coast. What can I say?! I'm a Woodstock alumni myself, and so the tie-dyed one is dreamy! :-)

She gave me some other gifts too, but this peace sign magnet is my favorite.

So what was your favorite holiday gift this year? Let's hear it!

[Jennie]

Jane, there's nothing more precious than family. I love hearing good stories like that. These experiences are so meaningful, and they touch the heart. Thanks for sharing!

[Jennie]

Oh, M.A., what a beautiful tree that was, and the fresh white snow was a nice touch. Looks like you really did have yourself a merry little Christmas. Thanks for sharing those wonderful pictures. They really complement your Christmas experience. Wow!

[Jane McGill]

My best gift this year was when my daughter and son-in-law were sitting in the bedroom floor playing with their 10-month-old son. They live 12 hours away so I don't get to see my grandson often, and it was a long trip and he had met many people in a day's time, so they were letting him wind down. When I came into the room and sat down on a chair, Landon crawled to me and reached his hands up for me to hold him. It was wonderful to be chosen over his mommy for once!

[Mary Ann Payonk]

Jennie, it all really touched my heart. I love to take pictures, so I pulled a couple out for you. Click Here for the link to pictures of my tree.

Mary Ann

[Jennie]

Oh, M.A., what a wonderful Christmas story. Thanks for sharing that. You had a beautiful and meaningful holiday, indeed!

I know you must have a picture of that tree. Please share, if you can.

[Mary Ann Payonk]

Hi, Jennie. When I moved up here to DC, I was going through a lot of changes in my life. I walked away from a long-term relationship. I sold my house, and put my daughter out on her own, in her first apartment. I had to find new homes for my 4 dogs. I left the market I'd worked in, in the comfort of just one firm, to hang out my own shingle. The country girl came to the city, and a lot of things changed. I work and travel and live a pretty hectic life. I haven't had a Christmas tree for 7 years now, something that really hurts my heart, but that's the way it's had to be. I've been looking forward to having my 2 young grandsons for a whole week this year. We picked them up in Richmond and drove up to our cabin in Pennsylvania ... and snow! That's gift enough ... but can you imagine the feeling I had when we plowed the Outback through a foot of snow up the driveway, and there in the midst of the pines behind the cabin was a 6-foot snow-covered Christmas tree with lights glowing through the snow!!! I knew my brother Mike and his wife and done it for me, because they know how homesick I get, and I was hit with a flood of emotions, crying, laughing all at the same time. It's the best Christmas present I've ever had. Ever.

M.A.

[Judy]

We got married on Halloween, in Vegas no less. I swear there's nothing better than to spend your anniverary handing out candy to all of the little kids.

[Rachel Gard]

Happy Anniversary to you too! I joke, but it is a great day to get married on. You're 100% right.

[Valencia Caston Simmons]

Rachel ~ New Year's is the absolute best day ever to start a new life with one's soul mate. My husband and I are celebrating our first year together, and I'm thrilled and thankful to say it's been the best year of my life. Happy Anniversary!

[Rachel Gard]

Valencia, I thought my husband and I were the only ones crazy enough to get married on New Year's Day !!! He jokes that at least he won't forget our anniversary.