I Used To Be A Scrooge...

I remember not even 4 years ago I was the biggest scrooge ever! Christmas music drove me 100% insane. My mom and sister and their baking I annoyed me and I would never participate. All of that was before I got pregnant. Dalton was born in December and weighing in at 9.1oz at birth you can imagine my short 5'2 body plump as a snowman attempting to decorate my tree. It was the first year I even cared to decorate a tree. I got the decorations from my sister. I remember it was to miserable for me to sleep so at 4am I decided to head downstairs and decorate OUR tree. It was the first time I began to LOVE Christmas as an adult. I started crying to Christmas songs on the radio. I melted at the sight of snow and kids making snow angels! I loved the sights, lights and most of all the Starbucks Holiday drinks!! :)
I traditionally now get together with my mom and sister and WE bake. I typically supply two rounds of coffee and then taste test everything. Its a good memory and tradition, even if I did start late in the game!
One thing however that I WILL NOT do is participate in "Black Friday" sales at the stores! I am sorry, but people walking behind me or too close to me is a huge panic attack waiting to happen. No thank you!
What changed my way ways? Maybe age? Maybe motherhood? Knowing what Christmas is really about. Being mature enough to know I don't NEED anything, and everything I WANT is in my house asleep right now, or down the street, or in MO, or Tonganoxie or 2 hours away or in Texas! Family and Friends, Health and Happiness
This post really came about because of my husband! He is kind of being a scrooge and in his defense he is right. In a way we have all lost the sight/meaning of Thanksgiving. Why on earth God put the two major family related holidays so close together is beyond me but he did and we cant change it. Russ gets peeved at those that put up trees and decorations, lights and then actually turn the lights on before Thanksgiving is here or even close to over! He has an opinion about everything but I can respect this one. :) I thought even as of yesterday that Thanksgiving is only about stuffed belly's, naps and then pumpkin pie. Now, I know its more. Its the anticipation to see family 600 miles away and having a car and gas money to get there. Its good conversation and lots of hugging. Its time for pictures and time for prayers. Its memory building before gift sharing.....

Happy Holidays Everyone! Hugs and Kisses! Goodnight!