Blast from the Past

This book was waiting for me under the Christmas tree this year. Doesn't really look like my style, huh? But it was - about 30 years ago.

I remember this book from my childhood. I don't remember much about the plot or why I liked it, but I remember reading it over and over and over again. As I was putting together my Christmas list this year, I decided to ask for it (there were copies on Amazon going for a penny) and see if I could discover what captured my attention as a teenager.

Yep, I got funny looks when I unwrapped it, and stranger ones when I squealed for joy when I saw what it was. We'll see if the story lives up to my memories in the end.

Missing Christmas

If you had talked to me a month ago, I would have told you that I was crazy-excited for Christmas. I could not wait for December to get here and to get the holiday preparations started.


Now that December is here, I wonder if I peaked too soon. I've lost my enthusiasm. Lord knows I could blame it on a lot of things - the sale of Dad's house (which did go through. My joy lasted exactly 5 seconds before the tears started. I was not as happy when it was done as I thought I would be), anticipating Christmas and my birthday without Dad... You get the idea. But I am not conscious of any of those things yet. Now that the house is sold, that issue is done. The other two haven't arrived yet. I can only imagine how I will feel when they actually get here.


All I know for now is that we are two weeks into Advent and up until this weekend, we had no plans to put up a tree. I even tried to talk my husband into buying a metal one we could hang ornaments on and call it good. (He said no.)


I think part of our hesitation is that no one was looking forward to pulling out our old artificial tree. We tried to find a new one, but had no luck. Then we stopped by Lowe's on Saturday. When we were done, we had a live Christmas tree in our trunk. We have never had a live tree before. That seemed to help us kick start the season. At least now we have a tree and some lights. We'll see how much farther we go and if it brings back the festive feelings or not. This may just be an "off" year for Christmas.

Bring on the Holidays

And by "holidays" I really mean Christmas. I know, Thanksgiving is still a couple weeks away, but I am ready to start the Christmas preparations NOW.

Sure, I am one of those people who starts thinking about (and shopping for) Christmas in September (and then chewing on my nails, trying to keep from spilling all my Christmas secrets in October). But I usually want to get through Thanksgiving before starting on Christmas. Not this year. This year I want to start now. I want to draw in and pour on the magic of Christmas. 

This year has been emotionally horrible. I am perpetually aware that a year ago we were prepping for a trip home for Thanksgiving to see Dad in person for the first time since he started his chemo regimen. So much has happened since then, and so much of it sad. 

I am ready for some happy. 

I am ready for some magic. 


I am ready for some Christmas.


So, don't judge me if you hear me humming Christmas carols two weeks before Turkey Day, or snuggling under a blanket watching Christmas movies on my day off. I am so thankful our family calendar ends in months of birthdays and holidays because 2011 really needs to finish strong to balance out its beginning. 


Merry Christmas season to you!

Holiday crafts and treats

It is getting to be that time of year and I thought I would share some Christmas things I am finding these days.



I love this wall decoration for Christmas - just beautiful. The small size on the plate is another great idea. I could also see it on a long mirror as a table centerpiece. Follow the link to find out where to get it and how to apply it to a wall/plate.




I love these "place cards" for your Thanksgiving table. I saw this posted at U Create, a great little craft blog. Follow the link on her blog to instructions to make these for your own Thanksgiving table. It's a simple craft that could be done very easily.


Now, this isn't exactly a holiday craft, but I think it could be a fun way to spend some time with the kids on the holiday breaks from school. This picture and the "paint chip family word game" is from the great Pink and Green Mama blog. Go here to find out how she uses this game with her kids. She includes links to where she got the information for the game, which includes a great list for what to include on your cards. I could totally see my home-schooled nieces having fun with this one. My son will love it, too. Could be a good educational stocking-stuffer or classroom gift.

Just had to add this Thanksgiving turkey craft, too. Makes a darling t-shirt for the holiday!