Christmas

Christmas seems to have come back faster than ever.  But, this year is different, here are some of the ways this is so.

• Positive - Our family traditions are still important to my children, who are now 21 and 23.  They expect that we will do these things and made sure they were around to participate!  Thanks, kids!  You really made this holiday for me and Dad!  (Traditions list includes Family Reunion Christmas Party, Tree Decorating, Making Christmas Kielbasa.)
• Positive - First time in many years we decorated the house (outside and in) by early December instead of only days before Christmas!  As a result, I've enjoyed our home adorned in festive ornamentation.  It's helped me find the holiday spirit that often alludes me when I am stressing over getting ready!
• Positive - My purchases were made with little consternation, wrapped and sorted, and out of the way enabling me to enjoy Advent without flurrying here and there.
• Positive - Cookies and other sweet treats were baked by us and by my daughter's friends, shared at a Cookie Exchange brunch at our house a week ago.  And, wondrously, we didn't eat them up, so we have plenty to serve on Christmas Eve and take to in-laws on Christmas Day.
• Positive -  My late brother-in-law always brought his parents down for Christmas Eve dinner at our house.  My wonderful son and daughter offered to go an hour each way to get their Grandfather and two Grandmothers so the dinner could continue this year!
• Positive - My own brother, who lives in VT came for a visit and he looked great!  He brought his son along and its been years since we've had the chance to talk in person.  What fun it was!
• Positive - Christmas Party at work, several!  In my youth, when things were less rigid in the office setting, holiday parties were great!  Over the years, focus on political correctness and too many work priorities dampened and almost killed the office Christmas party -- at least in the government setting.  This year's parties were tame compared to some in the past (one early employer rented a hall, hired a band, and catered the event, complete with open bar), but it was especially touching to see how my current employer took time to let us know our dedication and efforts were appreciated over a fine lunch!  It was also fun to join in for the office pot luck and white elephant gift exchange!
• Negative - We lost my brother-in-law, Bruce, in October.  His absence looms over this holiday season and it's just something we must get through.  This is very hard on his elderly parents.  Boo!
• Negative - Our parents are getting older and aren't able to do the things they also did.  So, this year we're still going to their house but a nephew is cooking (since it's too much for our parents to do.)  A sister went over early to clean the house, and instead of their big Christmas tree, they are using a small decorative tree (which is festive without the burden of setup.)

So, the positives outweigh the negatives!  Yes, I'm ready for Christmas and am so happy it's here!  Last year, I was exhausted and working much too hard, so Christmas was just another thing that demanded attention.  I'm so happy that is my past and my present is relaxed and ready - good thing too.  Tomorrow is Christmas Eve!

Merry Christmas!

Here it comes...

Are you ready for Christmas?

For the first time in many years . . . we are ahead of the regular Smoter schedule.

Yes, our exterior decorating is way ahead of our normal schedule.  Thanks for abnormally warm weather, we did some new things that look very festive.  Yea!

Yes, I have the Christmas cards addressed, loaded in the envelops and the holiday newsletter is written and ready to go to print.  I even bought the stamps!  I feel if they get in the mail by Saturday, we'll be good. (Last year I did't make it, so everyone got a New Year's letter instead.  But, last year I was about to retire and finishing up a major IT program that would launch in January, so I had an excuse.)

Inside still looks like Thanksgiving, but we've set aside Sunday to make the switch. All good, especially considering our normal decorating takes place around December 22!  That's by choice because we truly believe Christmas starts on December 25, so we celebrate Christmas until January 6th, the Fest of the Three Kings.  This year we will get to enjoy our festive home for more than a couple weeks. Yea, again!

Gifts!  Bought, all but one - none wrapped.  I usually have this all done by Veteran's Day.  But, this year I didn't have the federal fall holidays off, so my routine was disrupted. Not a big deal, still plenty of time!

Cookies - made one batch, which are now all eaten!  Lebkuchen are cooling in the fridge to be rolled out and baked tomorrow - how many days can the dough sit in the fridge?  We're pushing the limit I think.  Just learned my brother and nephew are coming to visit next week, they love these old fashioned German Christmas cookies, so I'd better get them made!

We went to our annual family Christmas party last Sunday, which is always special. Sadly, my husband's brother passed away in October and he was our Santa.  An elderly aunt also left us this past year.  A new baby is expected, in 2013 and last year's infants were now walking!  There's a new engagement too!  For all the good and bad that happens in families, we are blessed to have this traditional gathering where we all embrace being a family as we head into the Christmas season.  I feel it's so important to keep these family ties, as they will allow us to weather any trouble and cherish each other as no outsider can do.  

I'm looking forward to Christmas this year more than ever.  It's been a year of many changes, and I'm looking forward to having a couple days with my family to enjoy together the bonds that make us Smoters!