Denton County Magazine • Nov_Dec 21 • FROM THE EDITOR

In mid-December 2009, I had Christmas in my head, but not in my surroundings. No Santas, elves, Christmas trees or holiday carols kept me company. No halls were decked and it was not beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

I was working in Beijing as an editor at China Daily, the English media in China. December is just another month there. No red and green, or silver and gold anywhere.

But yet, Christmas was coming. I had arranged for my two young adult daughters to fly to China for the holidays, to stay in my ex-pat housing with me. On Christmas Eve, it was freezing cold, but we put on multiple hats and gloves and went to the Great Wall and walked, marveled and took photos.

Back in the China Daily ex-pat building, we Americans who worked there got together for a lasagna Christmas Eve dinner. We raised wine glasses and sang “Jingle Bells.” Then we listened to a tape of Christmas songs and danced and laughed -- and made a memory.

This year, make a memory by gathering with those you love. Keep a tradition (or two) going. If you don’t have any traditions, start this year! Silly or serious, fun or reflective -- it’s all good.

In this issue, you’ll see nine essays written by Denton County residents who tell their stories of a certain happy holiday or an inspiring holiday tradition. Turn to page 36 for inspiration. Our authors write from the heart, which is where the holidays really live.