As I wrap and tape and tie endless bows, and welcome the hustle and bustle of the holidays at our store, there's a part of me that wishes every holiday could be as simple as Thanksgiving. As a family, we have created a tradition around our yearly visits to my sister's place in Virginia for food and fun on the farm. 

My girls are the youngest of a slew of cousins, and watching them all run and play, gather around a bonfire, ride go carts, have a barn dance, or even head out to the chicken coop to collect eggs in the morning, is like the crazy fantasy version of how I want my kids to grow up come true. 

Even our dog, Clyde, loves the freedom of being in the country. Maybe he knows that he's surrounded by people who love him, in a magical place, just like I do? 

It's a highlight of my year. So as I'm writing and rewriting shopping lists, rushing around to an endless series of holiday pageants and open houses, I think of that farm weekend. And I know that, even without the gift giving and the wild expectations of Christmas, we all understand how much we have to be grateful for, and what truly makes our holidays happy. Do you have a favorite family holiday tradition? Let us know about it!