Whether it is the scent of fresh-baked sugar cookies, the sight of a simple wreath or the taste of a familiar dish, traditions are what make the holidays special year after or year. Traditions help us shed the stresses of our overbooked lives and get caught up in the moment of celebrating and reflecting with family and friends. These are a few of my favorite things that I look forward to every holiday season:

• For as long as I can remember, I have decorated the outside of Weatherstone with wreaths on every window. I love the festive and welcoming look the eternal circles provide. Wreaths have been a symbol of Christmas for hundreds of years and have existed in various forms since the time of ancient Romans.