Friday, December 19, 2014

♪ ♫ I wish you a Merry Christmas ♪ ♫





Can you believe it's almost here?   I know I can't.   I'm pretty sure I was just taking a big, fat turkey out of the oven a few days ago.    Christmas really snuck up on us this year.   Everyone says it's because Thanksgiving was so close.   All I know, is that it's next week!

I'll be totally honest in saying that I haven't bought a SINGLE gift yet.   And honestly, I'm not worried about it.  I'm just going to get all my gifts on the 23rd, after I leave work.   I could go on Christmas Eve, but come on, I'm not that crazy.  hehehe    The good thing is that I know what I need to buy.    I'm not going out without a plan and a list.    

We're also having an ornament exchange party this weekend and I'm really looking forward to that.   I was going to have a trim-a-tree where each guest brought an ornament for our tree. Years ago, I knew a lady who did that every year, and I thought it was so cool.   Then I decided that an exchange would be more fun and everyone will benefit.   I'm excited to see how it turns out.  I encouraged guests to bring something non-traditional.   Funny, stupid, ugly, corny, creepy, ....etc  
I've been to some great ornament stores where the selection is just amazing.   I still have to get out and get our ornament for the party too.   Trying to think of something funny.

Our Christmas tradition is that we usually go to my dad's in the morning, for a nice breakfast and gifts, and then in the late afternoon, we head over to the in-laws' for lunch/dinner.   It's always buffet style, which is a lot easier sometimes.   You can just eat as you like and when you want.   That night, we usually come back to our home and my family kind of trickles in at different times.  Things are always changing so I don't hold anyone to it.   I only see my immediate family on Christmas.. We don't do the big gatherings with cousins, aunts & uncles.    Wouldn't it be cool if we did someday? 
I'd love to have a huge family Pollyanna.      Christmas is one of my favorite holidays because there's just such a different vibe in the air and I love nothing more than spending time with my family, making new memories.   I miss my Mom terribly; this is our 2nd Christmas without her, but I'm staying positive and keeping her close in thought, of course.    

One family tradition that we always had, growing up, was opening one small gift on Christmas Eve.
I really looked forward to that as a child.   And now my husband and I do this sometimes too.  
When we were little. we'd listen to the radio station that broadcast Santa's journey to our town!  
I remember hearing "Santa's just been spotted in........"  and I'd ask how far that was from us.  Each state, they'd announce it ....  That was really exciting for us.   

Christmas also is about more than just ME or my family.   It's about Jesus.   It's a time to reflect on what the season and the day is really about.   We often lose sight of that.  "The reason for the season".  
I hope you have a fantastic holiday ~  And an even better new year.