Christmas in Atlanta with my nuclear family was wonderful.  Fires flickered in the fireplace.  The table groaned with wild rice casserole, homemade rolls, asparagus with hollandaise, and beef tenderloin.  Friends and extended family stopped by with gifts.  The cousins played endlessly outside in the crisp sunshine.  My dad and I delivered packages of Christmas sausage to friends.  I took long walks with my two sisters.  My mom made ornaments with Margaret and Caroline and kept me feeling loved with hugs and words of encouragement. 

Family and home.  Two sweet words.