December 22

22. I can't believe it's already December 22.

well, i was going to try to find a sweet news article about people doing good for others in the name of Christmas spirit and holiday harmony. but i couldn't. :( so instead, here's a Christmas quote i like:

"When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things --
not the great occasions -- give off the greatest glow of happiness."
-Bob Hope

...which i take to help me remember that the food on thursday doesn't have to be perfect, the house doesn't have to be flawlessly cleaned, but the moments shared with families will be what we remember.

my favorite memories of Christmas are as follows:

1. my little sister totally buying that my uncle dressed up like santa was actually santa. and being thrilled that santa fixed her baby doll (replaced it with a new one) and put her under the tree.

2. after opening presents, fitting all 7 of my cousins on one small couch at grandma's because we couldn't stand being any farther apart from each other.

3. being on the lake at my grandparents, looking out at the frozen water (=ice, i suppose) and feeling warm and cozy inside. and eating the world's best pecan rolls. damn, those are good. also, i like how lavishly they dress their tree in tinsel. it is truly a sight to behold.

4. Christmas morning at my in-laws. padding upstairs in our pj's after my mother-in-law rings the sleigh bells (or something...that's what it sounds like anyway...maybe it's a kitchen timer..i'm always in a deep sleep so i don't know), signalling us that breakfast is ready and stockings should be gotten to. taking a picture in front of the tree every year...serving as a rememberance for my husband and i of all the years of our relationship.

5. Christmas at my parent's house (we usually celebrate this early so we can get to all the other many Christmases we have to celebrate with other family) with fancy hot chocolate and Christmas music and lots of laughing and teasing.

6. Our tradition of going to a movie Christmas night. see side bar for this one.

...i really do love this time of year. can get messy and forgotten in all the stress and pressure of the season. but it doesn't change that it's a time for honoring Jesus and a time for being with and loving up on family. that will be my mantra for the rest of the week. ("Jesus, family...good. Jesus, family....good.")