Tis The Season

"Faithful friends who are dear to us
They gather near to us once more"
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Well, this is the time of year where everyone praises the reason for the season, or even the spirit of Christmas...it's a long way gone, yes.
So much commercialism, lots of shopping, obligations, expectations. Your neighbor won't like you anymore if they don't receive some small token from you, mom & dad will be really upset if they don't receive a hand written card in the mail, Aunt May will loath you if you forget her on you lengthening fruitcake list...yadah yadah.
I admit it, this year is going to be more commercial (well, nothing can beat last year's stack that swallowed our living room) than most, but it's for a reason. This year I'm aiming to try and keep the gifts to a minimum for the boys, by buying them the large items they requested, and keeping the smaller ones to a minimum. Why, you ask? I know we'll be moving in the summer, and I'm questioning how much we'll be taking back with us. I know we'll be taking immediate things that will be needed, but am under the impression that the big items will have to wait their turn...so, to do us a favor, I'm eliminating the small stuff to make room for the larger, mainly because any smaller item that isn't worth hauling across the country (AGAIN) will be sold in a fabulous yard sale in the spring.
I always feel guilty for getting rid of gifts, and because of that I actually still have gifts from when I was a kid...never mind what the boys have received since they've been alive.
Went out Saturday eve to go to the MIL's, had some wrapping to do and such (I keep all my gifts there away from prying eyes and rattling hands). What a lovely drive it was out to her house, not a single car passed me into town, they were all behind me heading out of town. Snow falling in giant clumps and that glorious purple glow in the sky. If ever there were a time when I was homesick, (as if there's a time when I'm NOT) it was right then. I imagined myself driving some silly little back-road of K-town as I went along, the one small stretch that was bordered by pretty, tall pines and little blinking houses behind.

"Peace on Earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Hark The Herald Angels Sing

So, on to more talk about the season. I have a set list of Christmas music that I prefer, though it never occurred to me until I started d/l-ing my Christmas music list. There is a set of songs that I prefer by certain performers, otherwise it just doesn't sounds right to me (though that doesn't stop me from listening to other performers versions). I like Judy Garland, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Boney M, Brenda Lee, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Mariah Carey, and Bing Crosby. Those are just a few from a list that I can't do without during my holiday season.
What are some of your favorites? Do you have a specific amount of time that you enjoy listening to Holiday music? I used to work for someone who began Christmas music in October, no lie. By the time November rolled around, I was singing her music in my sleep.
I myself prefer to begin it sometime in November when in the US, when in BC it's not until December.
How long do you leave your decorations up? I try not to leave them up past the kids' holiday break. I usually aim to have the inside ones down by the first week in January. The lights outside are a free for all as far as I'm concerned, lol.

"When it snows ain't it thrilling
Though your nose gets a chilling
We'll frolic and play the Eskimo way"
Walking In A Winter Wonderland

I discovered this morning that D is tall enough to reach from end to end in the bath tub while laying down. I thought he'd never get that big...now if only I could get some bulk on him. I need a never ending supply of Carnation Instant Breakfasts, hmm. Are all parents as concerned with their children's weight? He's always been a bit on the thin side, but he's got no fat on him anyplace, it's all tough meat & muscle. My wiry little hero.
Since I wasn't feeling well yesterday, he brought me the heating pad, snuggled me often, and kept checking my forehead with the occaionall "Hmm" tossed in there. Such a great humanitarian. :oD

"And heaven and nature sing"
Joy To The World

On that note, I'm so very happy I have the ability to make both gifts for people, and Christmas cards (along with family letters) for those I care about. I hope you all find your own ways to make this season special, and to find something that reminds you what it's all about, showing appreciation to the ones you love, respect, and care about.