As I prepare for the holidays, I’m planning my last-minute shopping trips and adding the finishing touches that make my house a festive place for family and friends to gather. 

I’m also reveling in the memories of the season. 

Every year during my childhood, my family would make our way to Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church for midnight mass on Christmas Eve. While those late-night rituals would test my ability to stay awake and alert, walking out of the church into softly falling snow is an enduring memory that has always captured the wonder of the season for me. 

The next morning, once the wrapping paper and bows were cleared away and we had the first go-around with our new toys, the real magic began for the Coulter family because ours was the house where everyone came to celebrate the day. Grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins all came, bearing gifts, food and the joy that makes this time of year so special. 

I’ve heard of so many other special traditions that punctuate the season for families, from the annual reading of “The Night Before Christmas” to lingering around the nightly Menorah candle lighting, sharing blessings and sufganiyot.  

And while all these traditions have probably transformed over the years for most families, the spirit of the season remains in our hearts and stays alive through calls, texts and Zooms. 

And that’s what I wish for all of you: the awe of the first snow; the aromas of the cookies and holiday meals that bring back so many memories; and the warm embrace (whether in person or virtual) of family and friends. 

Have a joyous holiday season!