Merry Christmas!

It's hard to believe that the much anticipated day is over. On Christmas Eve my 7 year old niece was on pins and needles for presents. She was even willing to skip dinner for them. And I realized the major difference between kids and adults at Christmas time is the "now" versus the "anticipation." Personally I love the whole Christmas build-up: Shopping, baking, spending time with friends and family. For the kids, it's all about the presents.

Our celebration this year included some old and (hopefully) new traditions. We changed our Christmas Eve this year, returning to a similar multi generational arrangement we used to have when my grandparents were still with us. In those days we spent Christmas Eve at their house, and had Christmas Day at home with family dinner. When Grams passed in 2001, our Christmas Eve changed. This year we reinstated some of those traditions. We had a snack buffet at my sister's home and spent some time together as a family. We played games and told stories before opening gifts to each other. It was a very nice evening.

Christmas Day dawned early, mostly for Mom. On the 24th she and I made three pies for dinner. On the 25th she made two more. The prime rib went into the oven at 8:30. Then we had breakfast and then my parents and I opened the remainder of our presents. Dinner was scheduled for 2:00ish. (It's always an "ish" at our house.) My sister and her family arrived at 1:00. My aunt, uncle and cousins by 2:00. We spent most of the afternoon just hanging out together, eating, playing games.

Winter Vacation!

The last week has been nuts. Every year before a break of some sort the kids really start to spin out of control. Christmas is the worst. It's that one time of year where everyone is supposed to be happy and healthy. In reality, many kids deal with some pretty big hurdles: family disturbances, no money for food or presents, lack of stability they get from teachers and other staff. The week, for learning is pretty much a wash. But at the same time we can't just coast through one giant week long party either.

From my own personal standpoint, two weeks off is a huge blessing. It's the opportunity to sleep, recharge my energy and enthusiasm, and the opportunity to be elsewhere. And that is where I am. Elsewhere for two whole weeks!

Christmas Lights

Every year one of the local parks is all lit up. It started several years ago by one man, and has evolved into an impressive display coordinated by its own committee. Different areas are sponsored by local businesses and the ticket booths are manned by groups of volunteers. Last night that was up to the high school staff. During my two hour shift I counted over 250 people entering. The price of admission is $1 for anyone over the age of 12. There's also a snack stand with cider, cocoa and other goodies. And last night Santa was attendance.

Getting in the Spirit

In my last post I said how I wasn't feeling very jolly right now. That's starting to change. On Tuesday I was invited to a Christmas Party. This party happens every year, but this is the first time I've gone. Parties can be not so great when you're single, but I'm working on being more social. The evening was fun. We ate, shared some great stories and had a little gift exchange. Those can contentious. My solution, I just bring a gift that I would like to have myself...just in case.

I've also started on the holiday candy making. Two kinds made, three to go. I'll finish up this weekend.

But the really surprising thing that's sort of kicked me into the spirit...Rodeo. Sounds strange, I know. But the National Finals Rodeo is on ESPN every night this week, and seeing Las Vegas decked out for Christmas really flipped a switch for me. I think part of my problem here has been the weather. I'm just not feeling winter. It's too bright. I really don't know how your people in Florida, Southern California and warm, non seasonal places do it.

It's December already?!?!?!?

I am so not ready for the end of the year. I really love December and the preparations for Christmas and New Year's. But this year I feel pretty numb to the whole experience. I can't get myself into the spirit. There are many reasons why, but I'm not going to dwell on them right now.

Decorating has been pretty minimal this year. I put up my little tree in the living room. I know it's practically a sin to go artificial in Oregon, but I do it anyway. I loaded it up with white lights and my collection of star ornaments. The cute retro "feather" tree I found in November is in the bedroom with candy canes and jingle bells. I've pulled out my snowmen tea light holders for the dining table centerpiece, and I've hung my wreaths. That's it. The presents are wrapped, and cards have been mailed. I even wrote a little letter about this blog.