Cozy Christmastime

Obviously I love Christmas Day, but my favorite thing about Christmas is actually all the fun leading up to the big day.  Is there anything cozier than holiday brunches and gift exchanges with friends?  Or spending an afternoon helping Grandma put up her decorations?  How about gingerbread house making (which the kids did entirely on their own this year) and church Christmas parties?  It's all so much fun with kids- with their bubbling excitement.  Christmastime is magical.