Five days until Christmas! Hope you’re ready…or close to it, at the very least.
My celebrations have already begun, and I have loved each one. (And not just because they’re an excuse for a new scrapbook page, although that’s fun too.) I’m looking forward to the parties ahead and to the time off work (which basically equals more sleep).
This year my Christmas theme was “My Favorite Things.” So as my official Christmas Bits, I thought I’d share with you some of my favorite things about Christmas.
• A tree in every room. People make fun of me for “over-Christmasing” my house, but I love seeing the lights of a tree no matter where I happen to be. It’s completely worth the time it takes to wrap each branch.
• Griswold houses. My friend Faith and I have a tradition of going to see “well lit houses” each year after we go through the walkway of lights. We love the tastefully lit houses, but nothing beats a good Griswold house. When we went yesterday, her four year old daughter declared one of them needed to take some lights down. She had that right!
• Sappy movies. Admittedly, I’ve not watched as much Fa La La La Lifetime this year as I usually do, but I love good cheesy Christmas movies.
• Treats. I think it goes without saying that the sugar high of the season is one of the best parts. I just finished a fabulous cookie – to back up Mom’s chocolates I had at lunch – as a follow up to the buffet of desserts at the office carry-in earlier this week. You get the idea.
• Christmas programs. I was in the program at our church this morning, so I spent most of my time trying to suck in and sit up straight since there was a recording happening in our midst. Since I was behind most of the action, I don’t know if anything funny happened, but my mind goes back to the year that Mary and Joseph (of the kid variety) got into a hay throwing fight during the Sunday morning program.
• Matching presents. As I mentioned, I have a theme every Christmas, and the wrapping paper gets in on that theme. I love looking under my tree and seeing all the matching gifts.
• Sleeping under the tree. For the last few years, I’ve had the tradition of sleeping in the living room on Christmas Eve. (Stole the idea from someone else, but still love it.) However…this year I have that fabulous new feathertop mattress…and since I have a tree in the bedroom too….I’m not sure if I can bring myself to leave the comfort for the living room floor. We’ll find out.
• Catnipped Christmas mornings. Of course the cats get their own stockings, and they’re filled with treats and toys each year. I always make sure to get them some catnip, because that’s the only way I can get them to remain in one location long enough to get pictures. Oh don’t judge me. It doesn’t kill them.
• Cards. I think these must have been this year’s budget-cut item, because I’ve heard many people mention the lack of cards, but even if there aren’t as many, I love getting them. Obviously fun mail beats bill mail any day of the week, but in addition to that, I just love seeing what people have been up to since last year!
• Christmas card contest. My Dad and I have an annual Christmas card contest. Dad, right now I have 34. I counted the one you and Mom sent me, which I realize is not entirely ethical, but I am afraid I’m losing, so my desire to win trumps my desire to play fair. Sorry.
• Christmas pictures. See, it kind of is all about the scrapbook. In our family, there are always a couple of pictures that we try to get each year. I won’t go into detail, at the risk of Mom sending back the gifts she got for me. But oh what a fun challenge!
• Finding new homes for everything. One of my favorite things about Christmas is the after Christmas festivities. I don’t love packing away all the decorations, but I love moving things into new homes and starting the new year with fresh organization. It’s so wonderful.
I’m sure there are more things…but that’s a sampling. I hope each of you has a merry Christmas!
1 hour ago
8 comments:
So, was our neighbor the Griswold winner this year, or is there someone more crazy than him?
Love your list. I've been totally into the sappy movies this year. Fa la la Lifetime has been a staple on my DVR. :-)
Bekah:
Cool post! A suggestion for things that need "a home" after Christmas:
If you have choices as to returning gifts, or donating - may I suggest donating? You would be surprised at the people who have need of basic clothing, or even a hug. Just an idea... :-D
Amy - You are so right! We were right out in front of your house. :) well not YOUR house. Their house.
Sarah - What ever would we do without fa la la la lifetime? Do you have a fave?
Tsofah - The "new homes" are for my presents. I do donate all the time though. I love to shop rummages, but I never have good success holding them, so I ship all my stuff off to the rescue mission. My mom volunteers at a rescue mission, so i always know it's a good place to give!
Bekah-
Oh, I know you give and give! :-D I was just thinking of giving your other readers an idea or two. Some people save their "overflow" to re-gift the next year. I now we have a few things we purchased extra's of because they were twoferone's, etc. The extra's will go to homes for those with mental/neuro disabilities.
Now...if only I can find a way to get a "twoferone" blanket deal!
Hmm, a fave...that's a good question. I really like the one about the restaurant critic. I think it's called A Recipe for Christmas or something like that.
What's wrong with catnip?
I took an organic gardening class one time a REALLY LONG time ago, and they recommended planting catnip in a sacrificial corner of your garden. That way, the neighbor cats will hang around the catnip corner and won't use the rest of your garden as their own personal litter box (cat poop is really bad for a garden). Yay catnip!
Sarah - I know that movie! Good one!
Skyepuppy - I'm with you, but some don't like catnip and I didn't want to make any enemies!
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