i remember being a kid at christmas. there was something in the air -- beyond the presents, beyond the stuff of the season -- it was something that made the time of year special. the snow seemed more pure and fresh, the cold made you feel alive, it was a time that really felt full of joy. i can remember being excited to see family; going to grandpa quist's on christmas eve, the huge meal, sitting around waiting for dishes to get done, laughing at my uncles. i remember the excitement of going to uncle dave's and aunt annette's house on christmas morning, eating way too much from the snack table, the avalance of gifts and the time it took to pass them all out, sitting around well after dinner playing games and eating the old fashioned norwegian treats like lefsa and krumkaka...sorry if i butchered the spelling! the memories of thoses things are the ones that live in my head -- not all the gifts and great stuff, but rather, the things that speak of the joy of family, the reason we celebrate, and the things that make christmas time special. the things that bring you joy when you remember, and look forward to the new traditions and things that my kids will hopefully look back on with joy...