Not Quite Hallmark Christmas...

Today was a snow day so I was home with all three kids.  It had its ups and downs.  Many downs, to be sure - everyone seemed very cranky and unsettled.  Of course, that means that nap time was a no go and so tonight, droopy eyelids were easy to spot.  

Luke fell asleep in the living room at about 6:20.  Dottie and I watched The Grinch and then were sitting on the couch.  I was singing Christmas songs to her and it had that "this could be in a commercial" feeling to it. 

Then I starting singing "Silent Night"  I was about 8 bars in and Dottie busts out -

YOU BETTER WATCH OUT.

YOU BETTER NOT CRY.

(She is very accusing - maybe she will be in the FBI)

YOU BETTER NOT POUT

ILL TELL YOU WHY.  

SANTA IS COMING TO TOOOOWWWWN.  

So much for my idyllic Christmas moment of peace and twinkly lights.

Christmas Confession. Ventage Tuesday

Today's plan was to talk Christmas traditions. Everyone else had lots of love for the holidays so let me apologize in advance. 

I am not a Christmas person. I love twinkly lights as much as the next gal but I could do without the fuss. Work is always very tense in December for me.  I get too worried about the logistics of who when and where. I'm tired. 

I Will not wax poetic about the season. Here are my favorite things (cue Julie Andrews)

1.  I love midnight mass.  I love the candles, the singing, the worry about children who should be home snug in their beds.  I love our parish and the people and the bursting at the seams with joy of Christmas eve service. 

2. Adults playing returns with kids and their new toys.  This is my dad circa 2010 with the kids new play kitchen

3.  Our imperfect tree decorating. Well, sorta. This one is kinda tough because I would really live to have a Martha esque tree and I hate decorating with the kids because I feel like the tree is going to crash down, I refuse to put up my good ornaments, it always looks like a disaster.  I do love the look on the kids faces though, so I just supress my hatred of the Charlie Brown tree. 

4.  Crazy Christmas photo shoots.  Every year, we have some goofy shoots to capture the wackiness.  I love winter hats and the kids usually get some hats for Christmas, this is one of my favorite pictures of the kids ever (photo by Barb).

5.  The one thing I super love about Christmas?  Christmas Cards.  I REALLY REALLY love getting them and seeing everyone's families and displaying them and feeling that close to home feeling.  We sent over 150 cards this year and I hope we receive a million.  If you would like to send me a card and don't have my address, just ask. :)  I will be posting my Christmas Card in a few days.  Stay tuned.


So I am sorry for my grinchiness and I hope you can check out the other gals to see what the real meaning of Christmas is. :)