Christmas Preparations

Gifts have been bought, and for the most part, are also now wrapped. And since we got our tree last week, the gifts now have a place for display! Sam has been pretty good about NOT touching the tree. The needles prick and tickle him, so the tree's defenses are functional so far. He learned to say "Christmas lights" and "Christmas tree". The "lights" and "tree" are pronounced quite clearly... "Christmas", on the other hand, sounds like "Crimmis", which makes me smile and giggle. He's so proud when he learns a new word, and especially when grown-ups understand what he means.

I am sooooo in the Christmas mood. Every year, my place of employment pipes in holiday tunes starting the week of Thanksgiving, and by the first week of December, I declare that I never want to hear Christmas music again. This year is different: I revel in the holiday music. I even listen to it at home, in the car, and at work (though I have no choice while at work). I found myself humming The Little Drummer Boy in the shower a few days ago.... I suppose I could contribute this Christmas Spirit to the fact that Sam is really starting to understand about holidays and remember events. It's like I've been transported mentally back to my childhood, and get to experience Christmas in that giddy, little kid sort of way again. Michael initially saw me as a weirdo; but then he caught it, too. We were at Target last week, and we were excited to pick up candy canes and hang them on the tree. BOTH OF US! It was a great feeling, and all over candy canes!

Sam's got a cold again. A nasty one with a lot of chest congestion. He coughs in the middle of the night and it sounds awful. I go in to check on him, and it didn't even wake him up! The first couple of nights, he couldn't sleep, so I sat with him on the sofa..... He ended up sleeping just fine, and Momma was a zombie.

AND, baking is in full swing. Cookies, cookies, cookies. A few batches have already been made and some have already been shipped to dear friends and family. I have a full five days left to complete everything.... I have also taken a few orders from co-workers for holiday baked goodies. Our apartment smells so yummy: cinnamon, sugar, chocolate, coffee, and coconut aromas fill our little place. A few neighbors have commented that the hallways in the building smell so wonderful.... Apparently we are the only ones who really cook or bake. I'm making little tins of cookies for our neighbors, as well. Spread Christmas cheer, you know.

To you all who read this, have a Merry Christmas, with friends and family, and some peaceful time to reflect on what the holiday truly means for mankind.