I love winter for many of the reasons that Lav does. (I also love rainy days.) Christmas is my happiest time of the year, even though I don't have extended family close by. DH and I both love to decorate the house inside and out. Warm glow everywhere -- his Christmas lights on the house, the Christmas trees in house, the fire in the fireplace, the Christmas village that wraps around the breakfast bar, the candles when we light our Advent wreath on Sundays. I'll be sad to pack it all away in January.

We've finished our shopping (and hidden it from the kids) and can just enjoy ourselves in the evenings and on the weekends.