A Christmas of Contrasts, Part the Second

 

There was something different in the air this year or maybe the water.

A Christmas of Contrasts, Part the First

This year, Christmas morning took me back to when my children were little – waking up early, tearing into the brightly colored packages, squeals of excitement.

Oh, and the vomit.

Note: The following blog post does NOT contain scenes of a disturbing nature to those with weak stomachs. I promise.

Smashing Through the Holiday Blues

*** New update located below the post. ***

Just before Thanksgiving I start to feel it. At first, it’s just a dark, looming cloud on the horizon. Pretty soon, everywhere I turn, Christmas songs play and perky sales people are in my face. Plans are made for holiday meals with the family. The weight of the “happiest time of the year” hits and all I want is to crawl into bed.

Halloween Is Upon Us

Thing1 clowning around with Jack Skellington last year.

Yes, goblins and vamps, Halloween is here again. Since it’s my favorite time of the year, what better way to celebrate than with a party?

2012 Yard Haunt

We skipped the party this year but we did the yard haunt.

I just wish the weather would cooperate. It was cold and snowed – yes, SNOWED – though, happily, it didn’t stick.

Randomness

My mind has been breaking off into different directions this week and I couldn’t settle down into one specific subject to post. So this will be a mashup of thoughts and links.

Looking Back and Forward (and trying not to get dizzy)

I hate making resolutions and blame it on my grade school teachers. After returning from Christmas vacation, they always assigned a theme (remember those?) in which we described our New Year’s Resolution.

“My New Year’s Resolution is to be nicer to my brother and sister.” Yeah, right. That one didn’t last the day.

“This year, I’m going to work hard and get better grades.” That might have lasted a month or two.

As a kid, I think I also confused resolutions with my Catholic friends’ ideas of what they would give up for Lent.

“You’re giving up chocolate? For the whole year?!”

Despite this long-standing childhood trauma, and because the new year is an obvious point of change, I do spend a moment or two reflecting on the past year and thinking about the year to come.

My Shopping Philosophy (sort of)

Right after Thanksgiving it seems the world explodes. At least for me. The rush is on towards Christmas and all the craziness that goes with it.

I’ve written heartfelt posts at Christmas before, so this year I’m wallowing in the crude, commercial side…

This Season of Snow and Light

flickr - katmere

The first few appearances of snow and the myriad forms of light that mark this time of year effect me deeply. I suspect it’s partly because of childhood memories and partly the need to “step away” and find moments of sanity during the craziness of this holiday season…

Calling All Creatures, Part Deux

Last night, Halloween, was cold, cold, cold – we even had snow! However, the show must go on and so did our Yard Haunt 2010.