Christmas Past, Present and Presents???

Hello! I hope everyone's been having fun getting ready for the holidays. I can't believe there's only 2 weeks left before Christmas. I've already been to the mall three times this month :::shivers:::. It's an interesting experience, the mall is. You have to elbow your way to the checkout and yell 'excuse me' to all those in their own little world checking the tag for sizes. You’re exhausted at the end of the day.

Was it this crazy when I was little? I don't remember it being like this...well maybe that one X-mas back in 1984 when Cabbage Patch Kids were really popular. My Mom and I got to the Montgomery Ward at the Brickyard Mall around 7:00am...they opened at 10:00am!! As soon as the doors (flood gates more like it) opened...it was madness. But that may be the only holiday until that silly Elmo doll that was like that.

Every holiday season comes and goes. The same things occur, the shopping, the snow, the lights and santa costumes and the odd colored scarves at the GAP...I mean really do they always have to whip up that same vomit green? Did they only get one spool of fabric and they just use it in conjunction with the other spools of fabric every season until it's gone? Don't get me wrong, I'm not bitter, it's just that shopping for the Holidays should be a fun and delightful experience right?

That's why this year, I'm going the "Make it Myself" route. I know, it sounds cheap and offensive, but I remember a time of yore that it was cute and special. I was six, but that's besides the point. I think there is still something to be said for the hand made, thought out gift. Plus with some spicy wrapping you can never go wrong.

Think about it. You have the ultimate picky friend (Um...GAY...Hello), and you know three things about them. 1) They like purple 2) They walk alot 3) They're always complaining about the cold. So knit them some purple socks wrap them up in some fabulous SAKS box and call it a day. No, but honestly who can really say they wouldn't enjoy receiving a gift with thought behind it?

So our advice this year is save some pocket change for Christmas Cards and look deep into your inner talents, grab some glue and start sculpting... and if all else fails Walgreens is open 24 hours.

The holidays are meant to bring people together and be a time of reconnecting with family, friends and loved ones..... please remember your holiday spirit and what they truly mean to you.

Bonus Scenes...
'Hello' to Norm...coffee and cards, missy, Dave, 'thank you's' to my (Steven's) family for all of their love and support these past couple of weeks...and to all of our club friends and John with those stiff drinks...can't wait til Christmas! Mark at the new job...you rock my (Michelle's) socks!

And a big 'HELLO' to Victoria Whitney who will always be watching out for us from heaven...you will be missed but you will always be in our hearts.