Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope you're spending time with family and friends.

To tell you the truth, it's been kind of hard to get into the Christmas spirit this year.

I'm not really sure what it is, but I sort of felt more like Scrooge than Santa up until this past weekend.

There are certain events, rituals and moments throughout the years that have put in my in Christmas spirit and some of them helped this year.

Baking Christmas cookies. My dad makes rosettes, krumkake and flatbread. My mom makes bird's nests, coconut date balls, Russian tea cakes, date pinwheels and almond bark cookies. When I'm home I usually try to help with some of them, my favorite being the Russian tea cakes. Every year my mom tells me it's so easy to make these cookies that we could really make them any time of the year. We never do. If we did, I don't think they would be as special.

Watching "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas." My parents finally bought me the video about five years ago. Who doesn't love The Whos down in Whoville? The Grinch used to scare me somewhat when I was little. His mean expressions illustrated perfectly the coldness of his heart. I always was relieved when his face softened as his heart grew three sizes on Christmas day.

Playing Christmas songs on the piano. My piano-playing skills have definitely diminished since I quit taking lessons in ninth grade, but I still enjoy playing favorite Christmas tunes. A couple weekends ago, my 3-year-old cousin asked if someone could play the piano. I sat down and gave her a clumsy "Jingle Bells." Despite the mistakes she said, "Play it again."

Watching my Sunday School students perform their yearly Christmas concert. I don't teach Sunday School anymore, but throughout high school I spend Christmas Eve afternoon getting 4 and 5 year olds ready for their concert. They were so excited to dress up as angels and shepherds. Even if they weren't the most enthusiastic singers during rehearsal, they always sang their hearts out on Christmas Eve.

Sending out Christmas cards. I finally sent them out Monday after putting them off. I dreaded having to write them all out, but Sunday I decided it was now or never. I sent out about 30 and enjoyed writing each one. Christmas gives everyone an excuse to keep in touch. Which brings me to the next item.

Receiving Christmas cards. I want to thank everyone who sent me Christmas cards and photos this season. Each card brightened my day and made my apartment look a little more festive.

Last-minute Christmas shopping. You would think everyone, including myself, would be quite cranky shopping right before Christmas. But as I made the rounds Monday, fellow shoppers, cashiers and gift-wrappers were surprisingly pleasant.

Wrapping presents. Some people hate it, but I think it's probably one of the most enjoyable parts about Christmas for me. I love picking out the paper and matching bows. There is some challenge involved when wrapping an awkward-shaped gift and great satisfaction when you are able to make it look good.

Those are just a few things that make it feel like Christmas. Others I can't predict. Sometimes it's the way the snow falls. Other times it's a touching story.

Sometimes, it's just a feeling that comes out of nowhere. I can't explain it, but it just feels like Christmas.

Cari Quam can be reached at 434-2235 or by e-mail at :mailto:cari.quam@austindailyherald.com