Surprised?

Hidy-ho, neighbors?  How have you been lately?  Me?  Glad you asked!

 Christmas Spirit

I don’t know what it is, but I am indeed in the Christmas spirit.  We got the tree up right after Thanksgiving, the house smells like cinnamon, and holiday cheer is on the radio.  We’ve actually been doing our shopping early this year.  There’s nothing worse than last-minute shopping.  We did that last year.  It wasn’t fun because we were moving at the time, and had previously decided that we wouldn’t do Christmas until after the move.  But then at the last minute, I realized that not having anything for Sarah would just be awful.  It was Christmas Eve, and it was a dark, rainy, cold night with lots of traffic on the road.  I got off work, had to run to the stores (which, of course on Christmas Eve, was just terrible).  Then we had to drive the half hour out to my mom’s house.  I don’t know… last year just seemed to be a little off, and the Christmas spirit had a little trouble finding my heart.  Thankfully, Christmas spirit found the correct address and has taken up a cozy little spot in my heart with a warm cup of wassail (with rum), has the fire place burning, and is sitting in a comfortable little recliner with its pj’s on and a blanket over its lap.  Soo nice.

 Pity Pot

I am in this Holiday mode, but for some reason today, and somewhat this week, I’ve been sitting on the pot.  I get on these kinds of modes and don’t get off that easily.  Sometimes I guess I get really hell bent on something and I can’t let it go. 

Also, I’ve had this really long discussion about presents with my wife.  A present is a funny thing.  It can mean so many things.  I think that often times, presents are thought to be this superficial thing… because of money, or what the present represents (how much money was spent).  I don’t know, I guess I look at presents in a different way.  I think of a present as this tangible expression of love.  Yes, hugs, kisses, sex… are all very different tangible expressions as well.  But I think of a present as this representation of love, too.  I don’t think the money thing matters, but just the fact that thought went into picking out the present, feeling went into it as well, and finally, a little money went into it too.  It’s like tithing at Church.  Giving that money is a representation of how much you’re sacrificing for the sake of God’s work continuing.  When I buy a present, it’s about what I’m giving up in order to make someone happy.

I guess the Christmas season just sort of brings up this topic, because I know it’s the question on everyone’s mind: what do I get, how much do I spend, what kind of present will say a certain thing?

I’m one of those types that tries for sentimental gifts, anyway.  I’m just a sap that way.

I think I’m over my pity pot sit for now.  I just have to learn and let things go, without giving up what I care deeply about.