Going home for the holidays, I can't wait. I have lived in Colorado for over 20 years now. I have the most beautiful view of Standley Lake and the Rocky Mountains from the park in my neighborhood. Soon there will be lots of hectic and wonderful shopping and parties, decorating and eggnog, presents and hugs. But in my heart at Christmas time I'll always be a Jersey girl.

I deliver mail for a living and Christmas is the best time to be a Letter Carrier. I feel like Santa, delivering cards and packages full of love, but unfortunately that also means I get very little time off that week. It is very hard to be 1,600 miles away from your mom and dad at such a special time, so a few years ago my father and I decided I should make a pilgrimage home earlier in December and celebrate Saint Nicholas Day, December 6, which also happens to be my birthday, at home in NJ. I have been doing it ever since.

We do simple things like visiting my favorite store Fortunoff which has the hugest Christmas department. We bundle up and drive around town to look at the lights no matter how cold it is. My life long girlfriends share pizza and memories, oh and many giggles. And of course my sister, niece and nephews come by for birthday cake. My nephews, despite being in second grade already, still ask why their Aunt Cindy Lu can't come see them more often because it is true about absence making the heart grow fonder.

After many hugs and some tears I return to Colorado where the other half of my heart resides with my husband and our children. I am truly blessed to be able to celebrate the holidays twice and to have 2 wonderful places to call home. I will always be home for the holidays.