“Make memories,” my mom always says in December. I am always grateful for those moments when I listen to my mom. Memories from Christmas at my house:

There were quick lunches with friends to trade presents and plans,  and an evening of Christmas lights and pizza with my nieces and nephews, who turned me into a jungle gym.

Shanna came over for a cookie extravaganza. She broke out the gold leaf and made the most glamorous sugar cookies I’ve seen — all in colors to match my house. That’s a good friend.

My favorite gift wrap: a “key to my heart” glitter tag with a vintage escutcheon from Olde Good Things in New York. Every year, I put this key on the present I’m most excited to give.

Christmas Eve with all the little ones. I made gift tags with nicknames. Scarlett LOVES that she is my “pink pig.”

The annual Rose Girls gift exchange with my mom and sisters — always the best part of December.

A quiet Christmas morning at home with Tyson, who was so excited to show me the things he picked out for me.

And then there was  Christmas breakfast with Angela and Mark, complete with monkey bread, sparklers and joy.