This year I struggled to find Christ in Christmas. Things were so chaotic and I think it must have started with the birthday party that spun completely out of control back in November, quickly followed by the Thanksgiving that I made WAY too many mashed potatoes for (what was I thinking? - people had a hard time passing the dish around the table.), and then followed by a Christmas that belted me right between the eyes. Next year - Christmas will have to be taken care of before October, or it's just not going to happen.
For the record, this past Saturday, (was that Jan. 2nd?) I did turn on the Christmas tree, and listen to Christmas music for a couple of hours in the morning.
"Hope there's oil under your rose vine, hope you get that raise. Hope you find plenty of reasons the whole year long to celebrate..." (June Christy singing a swinging tune called The Merriest) That lifted my spirits and helped me put the new year into perspective...and motivated me to get moving to send all the gifts I haven't yet sent to those I love in other parts of the country. They're coming, guys, I love you and I didn't forget you! Life just - happened to me.
For the record, this past Saturday, (was that Jan. 2nd?) I did turn on the Christmas tree, and listen to Christmas music for a couple of hours in the morning.
"Hope there's oil under your rose vine, hope you get that raise. Hope you find plenty of reasons the whole year long to celebrate..." (June Christy singing a swinging tune called The Merriest) That lifted my spirits and helped me put the new year into perspective...and motivated me to get moving to send all the gifts I haven't yet sent to those I love in other parts of the country. They're coming, guys, I love you and I didn't forget you! Life just - happened to me.
The highlights of Christmas were definitely the kids. I was completely cheesed over how cute they are - How did I get so lucky?
Marisa was so sweet in the Christmas dress her Nonna got for her and the boys had a real hoot with the gifts this year.
Meanwhile, I sort of made something that resembled (but didn't exactly taste like) my family's traditional bread twist... Here it is in the process of being iced.
And finally, there was a brief moment before church when everyone sat together and smiled (or maybe breathed a sigh of relief - oh, wait - that would probably just have been me.)
