Christmas, Christmas time is here...

   Sing it, Alvin...It's hard to believe that Christmas is literally right around the corner. With all of the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving (and working for our family business- which is a locally owned grocery store), I didn't have a lot of free time last week to blog. So, I apologize for the length of time between posts.  

   We started decorating on Friday- and this was my first year of picking out the tree completely by myself- and yes, I am proud of myself. Granted, it was more expensive than what we are used to- it was $45 this year, and we have been "spoiled" by only paying $25 in the past- but since we moved and had to go to a different place, I won't do much complaining. This is the first year that T will really be understanding Christmas, and I don't know if I am more excited, or if he is. He did not want anything to do with Santa this year, but he really seems to be picking up on the whole idea of things. 

   Why is it that as soon as Thanksgiving is over, we start rushing out and buying gifts for our loved ones? I was thinking over the weekend that the most memorable Christmases I have had are ones where I don't remember what I gave or what I received- but where I spent time with the people I care about most in this world- my family and friends. I want those same memories for our son as I had- the laughing until we cried, or it hurt, the warmth, the familiar faces, smiles, and scents of those we love, just being there in the moment knowing that's where you are supposed to be. To me, there is no better feeling. I want him to look back and remember that Christmas isn't about what you open or what you wrap, but about those who you hold near and dear to your heart, and being with them. 

      I am loving the way our lights look from the sidewalk!

          Our elf, Snowflake, came for his yearly visit 11/25/12

                 A work in progress, but it's almost done :)