Grandma Belliston

considering the fact that this was and is my grandma's favorite time of the year, i would like to do a little tribute to her.

grandma's house on christmas was like no other. fully decorated inside and out: lights up outside, with the blow up characters on the lawn, and candy canes all around; always a WHITE tree inside with the village set up perfectly, matching stockings hung up for everyone in the family -grandkids and great-grandkids included-, a small tree with lights made out of TAB soda cans, a bell countdown, christmas books piled on the piano, christmas decorations on both tables and lined up on the desk, the christmas clock, and of course, the doorbell the so loudly played a christmas song every time it was rung.

but the best part about christmas at grandma's was having everyone together in her warm home. the kids would be running around playing until we ended up in the basement for the usual game of hide-n-go-seek. the adults would be laughing and chatting while trying to ignore the delicious aroma of grandma's amazing cooking, or giving in and snagging a few bites here and there before dinner. looking outside in, i guarantee any stranger would have loved to come in and join us for the festivities.

christmas was more than just christmas eve and day. grandma always had each family over individually to make their favorite christmas candy. my family always made the chocolate rice krispy rolls which are to die for. it was great to spend time in the kitchen with grandma and see how she made everything taste so incredible, even though there isn't a single person on earth who can mimick her creations.

grandma NEVER stopped giving and serving others. which is why i believe christmas is her favorite time of the year. the time families come together in celebration of the birth of christ. she was the perfect example and friend to all who surrounded her, and truly believed in the gospel of the savior jesus christ.

this will be the fourth christmas without grandma, but i still feel her presence more strongly at christmas time than any other time of year. i love you grandma!!