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| Christmas 2006 |
When I was little, my mom would go all out. The house would be decorated from top to bottom. There were always cookies in the oven. The house smelled like evergreen. Our stereo would always have on a Christmas carol. And the lights! Don't even get me started on the beautiful lights that graced our house.
It wasn't about Christmas morning, it was about the season. Spending time with family. Enjoying each other. And celebrating a very special birthday. That's just how I was raised. Sure, Christmas morning was fun, but I do think if I had to pick between the season or just Christmas morning, I'd pick the season.
As I've gotten older, things have changed around our house. The decorations are fewer in number. We get our tree later and take it down earlier. Christmas music is more likely to be coming out of a bedroom radio rather than the main stereo. We go to less parties, and see less people. The Christmas card numbers are declining. And this year it's only going to get worse.
I've decided that I'm not going to let the Grinch steal Christmas. Normally my mom will stand up to the Grinch and make Christmas special. This year she just doesn't have it in her. So I've decided that it's up to me. Which is a lot of work for one person, but I'll find a way to make it happen. I'm going to decorate the house tomorrow while I have Rudy visiting and an extra pair of hands (preferably while the Grinch is at work). I've ordered Christmas cards and will be sending them out. I'm setting up my old iPod with as much Christmas music as I can find and leaving it plugged into the stereo.
I'm going shopping this week to buy the most special present. At Church, we have a giving tree. I got a six year old girl who requested Princess Dolls. I can't wait to go find something for this little girl. I was obsessed with princess dolls when I was a kid. I loved princesses, loved my dolls, and loved Christmas. Lately I haven't had any little kids to buy gifts for, so this is special. It's funny, but it's selfish. I think I'm going to get more enjoyment out of this than she will.
I've already started my shopping. I bought my sister a gift already, and bought a few things for my mom to give me and my sister. I went outlet shopping and saved about $600. No joke. Spent $400 and saved $600. I was pretty excited. So my mom's shopping is done. She can wrap up the boxes and feel like she contributed. I just need to get a few things for the Grinch from her (his main gift has been ordered already) and pick up stoking stuffers. I plan on taking care of some of that this week and next. Just after the rush of the holiday weekend.
I know it sounds shallow, but I need to get this stuff done. I'm worried about it and stressing out. But once it's finished, I'll really be able to get down and enjoy the holiday. I'm traveling (hopefully) in a few weeks to spend time with my "other" family from school. We're going to look at Christmas Trees (for a charity) which is kind of funny because they are Jewish. I'm going to spend as much time with my family as I can. And by that I mean my extended family. I haven't had time to see a lot of them and I miss them.
So now this rambling post has kicked off the season. Wish me luck in getting up the decorations! Hopefully by next week I'll have some great pictures for Picture Sunday in order to get in the spirit. Until then, Happy Holidays!
I think that's awesome! Seems like it always is up to 1 person to get everyone in gear!
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