When I was a child I always thought my birthday was the start of all winter holidays, followed a few days later by Thanksgiving then Christmas. Those holidays were a time of family gatherings which meant friends, food and fun. I'm way past that now, but this year for the first time in a very long time, I'll have family and friends around for both birthday and Thanksgiving. Not sure yet about Christmas.
My son says he's bringing a 'turducken' to fix for Thanksgiving. Not being much of a meat connoisseur, I have no clue what that might be, but I can imagine. He's on his own for that one.
So as of last night with the arrival of my daughter from Florida, my holidays have started. She'll be joined by my son and his family, another friend from Arizona and one from DC during Thanksgiving week. It will be a full house.
In the meantime, I just received a box filled with Amaryllis bulbs, an early gift from Mamajack and Jill, I think. It was a surprise, I can only tell by the return address. Today I'll plant them.
For me, I'll add one more to your list: Family, Friends, Food, Fun and Flowers!
Happy Holidays!