It’s that time of year again! Christmas trees are shining bright through windows adorned with garland, carols are playing on the radio, and fires are burning in the hearths – except here in Florida. We’re still in short sleeves and flip flops. But that doesn’t dampen my spirits for the season!

In fact, I love this time of year so much that I’m participating in the Addictive Reads Holiday Event and Giveaway! From December 12-31, 2014, the Addictive Reads Authors will be hosting a giveaway where you have the chance to win a Kindle Fire HD 7 pre-loaded with over 30 of our novels, novellas, and short stories (an approx. retail value of $239). You can find out what’s included in our Holiday post. There’s something for everyone!

We’re also offering up $50, $20, and $15 gift cards as prizes. The winners will be able to choose to receive their gift cards from Amazon, iTunes, B&N, or Google Play. (Note: Winners for the gift cards will be selected from world wide entries. Unfortunately due to the cost of shipping overseas, the grand prize will be limited to U.S. entries only.)

So to keep in the spirit of the season, I’m going to share a few of my favorite things about the holidays with you.

Decorations. I LOVE to drive around and see all the Christmas lights. I blame this on my sister, because she has a great sense of humor and tends to get kind of creative during the holidays with her outdoor decorations. So now, I like to go around and see what others do and how they bring their lawns and homes to life during this time of year.

Fresh baked goodies! Who doesn’t love warm chocolate chip cookies? Or Almond Fudge Bites? Or Toffee? Or Rollo Stuffed Snickerdoodles? And the smell of yummy cakes and cookies cooking… nothing says “welcome, stay awhile and enjoy” more than that!

Christmas songs. I’m not fond that these start so early nowadays, but I do love the older carols, like Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree, Winter Wonderland, Jingle Bell Rock and Silent Night. Of course, Christmas just wouldn’t be the same if I didn’t hear Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer at least once.

SALES! I’m NOT a Black Friday fan, but I do love some sales. The best ones are AFTER Christmas, then you can snag lights and decorations for the next year.

Children’s faces on Christmas morning. When my girls were little, my favorite thing was seeing them run into the room to find out what Santa brought. Of course, my oldest had figured it all out by then, but thankfully she played along. Still, it was a magical moment. To see their smiles, hear their giggles. And now, my granddaughter is that age and it starts all over again. To me, there is nothing more heartwarming than to hear a child laugh and play.

Family Time. As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned that nothing replaces family. I’m not talking just about blood-relatives either, but those people who have come into your life and become family. This is the time of year that brings all those people closer to your heart. I don’t get to see my family as much as I’d like these days since we live so spread out. But the calls, the cards, and the times we do get to spend together means so much more.

Generosity. I tend to see more acts of generosity during the holidays. Donations, bringing food to a home-bound neighbor, and volunteering are all part of the season of giving. But the best act of kindness I love to see is when a complete stranger offers to help another. In a world that seems to be full of confusion, acts like these renew my faith in humankind and my hopes for the future.

These are just a few of my favorite things I look for during the holidays. What about you? What are some of your favorite things about the holidays?