December 21, 2007
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‘Twas the Friday Before Christmas…Does anyone else not feel as if it could possibly be Christmas in just a few, short days? When I was a girl, Christmas seemed to be the culmination of a whole year of waiting. When the kids were younger, Christmas was looked on with eager anticipation–presents and a trip to Grammy Peep and PapaJohn’s in PA! But, these days, I feel like a Grinch. No, I’m not really bah-humbugging, but there doesn’t seem to be the magical sparkle that once happened. I suppose this is my fault. If I want a glittery Christmas, I have to make sure it shines for others.
Ornaments on my Mom’s tree
I’m currently printing out the Christmas calendars while Little Miss reads Green Eggs and Ham to me. She’s even finding it boring. I will not, will not with a fox… Hunter wore a suit to school today (ah, teens) and is spending the day going from class to class and caroling. Tonight, we go out to the Fenstermacher’s for supper. I am hopeful all our friends will want to have us over to dinner in the next few weeks because they will miss us so very much when we leave for England on January 9th. (Subtle hints have never been my forte.)
Mother and son enjoying a special Christmas moment. “How DOES this new talking parrot toy work?”
Tomorrow, my mom, LibbyK, and I head to Altoona for an all-day shopping and eating out fest. It’s an annual thing, and I do so enjoy it. I have just a few presents here and there to get, so it’s low-key, just for fun. Sunday night, we will have Sibling Night. This is the time when the kids exchange presents with one another. (They draw names and also purchase for other siblings if they want.) We usually have a crazy dinner–funnel cakes, popcorn, milkshakes–play games, and laugh like fools. I hope this tradition will continue for them once they are off and married. They can get together anytime–not just on Christmas Day–for Sibling Night.I have not forgotten to give you the link for my Christmas letter. I just don’t have it posted yet.
What’s one Christmas present that you either gave or got that stands out in your mind?
Comments (24)
I do like the first photograph in this entry
One present which sticks out in my mind is which I was given was - a special first edition book for the football/soccer team I supported it had my name printed in the back of the book.
It does not really feel like Christmas to me at the moment.
I’m not really Grinchy this year either; but, I guess I am just not into all the hoopla this year. Maybe it is because we moved this summer and I have animosity towards any extra item that is not really needed. (Ughh…where am I gonna put this thing?) I hope so many people invite you over that you don’t cook dinner for the rest of the time you are in the states!!
Christmas did sort of sneak up on us this year.
The best gift I ever gave was to my brother and it was a robot back when remote control robots first came out. He was so excited even though the gift itself was not really that practical to play with back in those days.
Funnel cakes does sound delicious to eat, I have never heard of this cake before.
The best gift I ever got was my first violin, the christmas when I was 10.
I liked Fox in Socks when I was a student at Cedarville… my friends and I would read it aloud to each other in the dorms to unwind… very theraputic!
Christmas has sort of snuck up this year! I agree with your theory; although perhaps it’s more difficult for me because I have on foot in childhood and one foot in adulthood, and I’d really rather the Christmas part stay in childhood.
Mom made us take naps for the longest time on Christmas, because it was such a hectic day and wore us out. The first Christmas I didn’t take a nap, I was so excited – I finally got to attend the party I was always forced to miss! My magical illusions sort of crashed, however, when I realized that they actually worked on Christmas – setting the table, vacuuming, etc. Then I wished I did take a nap. 
Best Christmas gift…there have been so many. The one I was most excited about last year was giving Mom a beautiful baby scrapbook of Julia pictures. I think this year just might make the best present, but I can’t tell you in case the recipient reads it…
I’ve decided I can’t put on a glittery Christmas all by myself anymore. I got burned out! It’s a lot of work for one person to do, so I’ve delegated, I’ve cut things out and we are dealing with it together. After years of doing it by myself, it was NOT fun anymore at all. I’m hoping this year will be less hectic, stressful and more relaxing and fun. So far, so good mostly. I’ve gotten lots of special gifts, but one Christmas when ds#2 was in preschool, he made about 8 crafty presents to give to family and he them ALL to me. It really did make me feel loved and special.
Hope you have fun shopping tomorrow! Sibling night sounds like a great tradition. 
What interesting ornaments!
One of the gifts that most stands out to me was when Bikeman got me my first nice film camera (an SLR, not just a point and shoot)….it was a total surprise and beyond our budget. I burst into happy tears.
Enjoy your outing and your kids!
Christmas does seem to have gotten here very quickly this year! A family tradition in our house used to be that everyone got a movie for Christmas, and then we’d spend the late afternoon and evening watching them all together. Maybe that wasn’t such a good answer, though, since I can’t actually remember any of the specific movies that we got. (Or maybe the fun time together was the best part of the gift!)
yeah, the “Christmas magic” just hasn’t arrived yet…….
C and I decided that since we were both pretty much broke we wouldn’t get each other presents. Oh well, if it’s fine with her it’s fine with me!!
WOW! That trip to England really is coming up FAST isn’t it. And I’m sure seems SOOOOO much closer to you than it does me.
Before this comment turns into a post…adeu I have no idea if I spelled that right………… hehe
2 credits for you.
I’m such a bum xanga friend!!! I just looked on my last post and saw your birthday wish for me!! I’m so sorry I didn’t check it in so long! Thank you, thank you, so much for the kind wishes!!
(looking at the comment above….. what’s a “credits_fairy”, anyway, and why don’t I have one??;D)
I remember getting matching flannel nightgowns with my sister. They had a red rose pattern on them and matching “granny” caps…. I was about 3 & it was so thrilling to match my sister! In a picture I have of us that year, I’m the one BEAMING and my sister is the one that looks like she’s grimmacing! ha!
Ooh, I love the picture of the ornaments and the lighting in it. It’s beautiful!
Have a wonderful time shopping tomorrow. Oh wait, today. In fact, that is probably what you are doing at this very minute.
Merry Christmas!
I too have noticed that now that I’m older, the excitement of the holiday isn’t the same as when I was a child. I think that’s just “getting older”!–sorry to tell you, Mary!
Special gift: when I was a child, I bought a large bouncy ball for my brother. Before Christmas, my brother and I were left at home while Mom went shopping, and we decided to tell each other what we had gotten each other. He had gotten ME a bouncy ball too! I liked the colors of the one I purchased for him; he liked best the one he had gotten for me; so we traded! And Mother never knew.
Well I hope your grinchiness goes away. I know how you feel. We only put up half of our decorations because we just did it tonight, and Christmas is only three days away!! (We just got off school yesterday.) So have a merry christmas and a happy new year! Heck, have a happy all year for that matter! (oh, and I’m not sure what tin smells like
I love the idea of sibling night!
We have a Sibling Night as well, but it sounds a bit different. We “let” the grandparents watch the kids, and Krista and I go out on the town with her siblings. It is a lot of fun!
I have to say that I can’t believe it is Christmas already too. My best gift ever was a little girl – Snincr’s too! I ended up Xanga messaging you the link with her pictures.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
I know exactly what you mean about Christmas this year! I guess I have been so busy giving myself to everyone and everything that I’m worn out!
Special Christmas gifts I’ve received over the years: a pair of ice skates, a sewing machine, and last year a trip home to the States to see our family! Oh, yes, a baby boy who will be 16 tomorrow!