christmas is all around. this makes me smile.

yay, it's almost christmas time. my favourite time of the year.

almost everyone is on holiday at the moment, and the christmas festivities can definitely be felt. shops are busy, buzzing with people frantically trying to finish last minute christmas shopping before the big day (me included), but being the pressure driven individual that i am, of course i wouldn't have it any other way :)
i love the feeling of excitment mixed with intense frustration within the shopping malls. people fighting with shop attendants, followed by stores handing out little free gifts to kids, or the infamous 'photo with santa' stall. i love it. and i love the people in my country.

although where i am, snow is impossible, so we have a very warm christmas, i really wish to one day experience the thrill of a white christmas. however, we are right in the heat of our summer, which i too love. the beach, tanning, and of course, little summer outfits, all look so beautiful in photo memories christmas leaves us with. and don't you just absoultely love all the christmas movies that the television stations broadcast over the holidays. and the music. aahhh.

christmas, for me, is a time to give and be with family. a time where stresses and worries are non-existent guests, and everyone is simply, happy. family (who sometimes never see eye to eye) gather under the same roof, and put their differences aside to enjoy a lovely christmas eve dinner, or christmas day lunch. this is what happens in my family.

this year i am spending christmas eve dinner with my boyfriends family and friends, followed by christmas lunch with my own. so excited.

as for gifts, i must admit for me, giving is way more fun than receiving. don't get me wrong, i love presents. but the whole process of shopping, wrapping, and then the feeling you get watching someone open a present you took the time and effort to put together, is the most amazing part of it all.

so here's to wishing everyone a happy christmas, wherever in the world you my be. may it be a special time with friends and family, filled with love, happy memories, good food and unforgetable moments.

and of course, loads of presents that make you smile :)