I have been having a rather rollicking holiday season.
It started in mid-November when I took a quick trip to California to visit some friends and to spend some quality time with my brother. I refer to this trip as my Christmas store and comfort food tour of Southern California. I spent only four full days in California. During that time, I went to two fancy Christmas garden/decoration stores, perused (and purchased) vast quantities of Christmas merchandise at Disney’s California Adventure, had lunch at the favorite pizza place of my childhood, had bagels at my old bagel stomping ground for two breakfasts, and consumed In and Out Burger fare twice. I also ate gingerbread from several different sources during my trip. I had to compare and contrast, didn’t I?
When I got home, Thanksgiving was upon us and I hosted a dinner for a family of Florida friends. We had a great time. For grace, I asked each person to offer a prayer of Thanksgiving for some blessing within a specific category… friends, family, health, spiritual gifts, etc. The prayers were moving and true. I think we all shared a common bond of gratitude, which was a great foundation for a day of food, fellowship, and fun.
The next day, I dragged out the Christmas decorations and changed the season from harvest to hark-the-herald-angels. Promptly on December 1, Max began the daily chore of hiding my mini-elf-on-a-shelf, Kringle. I search for him each morning. With the first Sunday of Advent, Max and I have lit candles each evening and shared reading devotionals.
A couple of days later, we went on our Christmas sojourn to the Most Magical Place on Earth. I immersed myself in Disney Christmas magic… brilliant decorations, an over-the-top Christmas parade, breath-taking Candlelight Processional, and mass quantities of gingerbread. I laughed, I cried, I fell in love…. Not an advertisement, just my very real reaction.
This week, Max and I went to Celebration, a Disney-inspired town just outside the theme park property. It is a Victorian town built in 1996. I realize that Queen Victoria reigned from 1837 through 1901, but Disney can do anything… including building a town 95 years too late. At Christmas, Celebration is special. There are huge Christmas trees, an ice rink, a snowfield, and quaint little shops. There is also a company that offers horse and carriage rides. We had a nice cozy dinner, wandered around the town, and rode around in a one-horse open sleigh.
Next week, I’m going Christmas caroling and I’m planning two more parties in the next couple of weeks.
Soon, we will be celebrating Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with faith and friends. Max and I have some traditions that we share together, including church services. We provide for time with God, with each other, and with family.
I’m kind of a goofball, I guess. I’ve enjoyed the schmaltz. I wouldn’t give up any of my holiday activities. I do admit, though, that I sometimes turn the corner off Whimsy Street onto Absurd Avenue. Here’s the evidence:
I’m a grown woman and I search for my elf on the shelf, Kringle, every morning. Not only do I search for my little elf, I talk to him. I have whole conversations with him. He and I have a relationship that may be a little unhealthy.
I feel relieved because the two Christmas trees that are displayed all year in my house finally make sense for a few weeks.
I erect not one, but two additional Christmas trees for the season… one topped with Tinkerbell and one topped with a bear with angel wings.
I purchased light-up Disney Christmas crocs that I have been wearing steadily since I bought them. In a rare nod to adulthood, I did get them when I was in California where I could take advantage of my friend’s employee discount.
I came home from the pool this morning a little chilled and decided to don some warm clothes. See below.
I rest my case. Have a holly jolly, everyone!
PS. Kringle sends his wishes for a merry and bright Christmas, too!
Your turn! Have I gone completely around the bend? Please tell me about any of your “whimsical” Christmas activities. Please share your perspective by leaving a comment. In the alternative, you can email me at terriretirement@gmail.com.
Terri/Dorry 🙂
I love your Christmas slippers . Sounds like you do have a fun Christmas season.
I do put some decorations up and make a favorite cookie…nut rolls with my granddaughters. I send cards out, but this year am trying to do less cards than usual.
I go to my family for dinner on Christmas.
Well, Lois, I think I’ve got you beat on the wackiness scale, but your Christmas activities sound great! Thanks for including me on your card list. I love your beautiful artwork! ❤️