Childhood memories

Today is a reminder of times past and present. There was something magical about this time of the year. The world was transformed with brightly lit homes and the smell of freshly baked cookies. People seemed to be kinder and friendlier. I remember how much I anticipated having two weeks off from school to enjoy all of this. Time passed more slowly and those two weeks seemed more like a month. Growing up in the northeast meant the likelihood of awakening to a blanket of snow. Instead of spending my days in a classroom, I was free to be outside to build snowmen and snow forts. There was an audible difference when the snow fell and I recall how much I enjoyed listening to the snow crunch under my boots. It was a world of wonder that passed within a few short weeks. Maybe that was what made it so special. As an adult well into my later years, some of that specialness still remains. The colored lights and the aroma of freshly baked cookies still permeate my home at this time of year while other traditions have replaced those from my past. What are your memories of seasons past and what are you doing to create new ones?