Countdown to Christmas Thread

[Carlawarla 1]

It has been fun reading through this thread guys! There are so many festive pics. Well, two days ago, I found out there is a good chance my hubby will be driving out to see the kids and I for Christmas. If he is coming, he is supposed to leave tomorrow. He will drive 2000 miles to come here. I really hope he makes it.

Has he left yet? [insert excited smiley here]

Nope, I talked to him yesterday and he said there was a hold up, but that he should be leaving today or tomorrow. It's our son's first Christmas, so I hope he does get here in time! It's been over 3 months since we saw him after Zach was born. (Zach is 4 months old already.)The countdown continues! Only a few more nights til Christmas and hopefully only a few more until my hubby gets here too!

What a sweetie shiri! He looks like you!

Three more days!

To those who will be spending Christmas for the first time as husband and wife - congratulations!

I just received my corrected two year Green Card today. I was approved November 12th, got the card Nov. 24th, but there was an error, and got the corrected one today. Yay!

Melly Christmas!

Melly Christmas? cute. To you as well Team J and B! I've heard of people waiting months and months for a corrected GC, glad yours wasn't that long at all!

In less than 24 hours, I'll be headed north and home to my baby girl. I hope the time doesn't drag like it has for the immigration process.... *giggles*

Happy Holidays everyone

Awwwwwww I'm so glad you're going to be back in Canada for Christmas with your daughter. Enjoy and savor every moment.

so the flights for tomorrow haven't been canceled yet.. here is hoping it stays that way.. I really want to meet my nephew...

Here's hoping and praying everyone gets on their plane and gets to your place pronto Marilyn! I know your excited about your company coming. I'm so happy for you that they'll be there for Christmas!

[MrsCat 6]

2 Sleeps Until Christmas

[SpiritAlight 1]

Just scraggled in here.

Why am I opposed to Christmas?

Hmmmm...

Scrooge?

Grinch?

Hmmm...

Nah, it is just the frenzy I do not like.

The shopping energy frenzy makes me feel sick to my stomach.

I miss my peops in Van that we would get together with a potluck and silly games, like lip-synching and laughing a whole lot.

Walks to the beach and writing and burning things we no longer want in out lives and writing new affirmations to keep...and manifest.

(That last activity was done on New Year's.)

I so miss the realness of that.

snif snif...

In the meantime, I am here in the kind of surroundings/Christmas I do not agree with.

My sweetie's family (his mom's side - she and her husband and kids, grandkids etc), are nice and all that shutff, I just do not like their idea of the commercialistic way of celebrating it. Grin and bear it. I have not and will not be buying any gifts, just like the past more than ten years now.

I will bake cookies or cook something to bring.

That I can do and be in my integrity.

I have asked them (every one including my partner) not to buy me a gift.

I doubt they will listen.

When your BIL's home has a Xmas shower curtain (his wife goes nuts) to match the rest of the Xmas decor (we went there for thanksgiving), you know they just don't get my ideas/beliefs.

I am accustomed to feeling like the black sheep outside of my close friends.

Still, I hope you all enjoy it in any way that feels comfortable to you!

Edited December 23, 2008 by SpiritAlight

[trailmix 77]

Just scraggled in here.

Why am I opposed to Christmas?

Hmmmm...

Scrooge?

Grinch?

Hmmm...

Nah, it is just the frenzy I do not like.

The shopping energy frenzy makes me feel sick to my stomach.

I miss my peops in Van that we would get together with a potluck and silly games, like lip-synching and laughing a whole lot.

Walks to the beach and writing and burning things we no longer want in out lives and writing new affirmations to keep...and manifest.

(That last activity was done on New Year's.)

I so miss the realness of that.

snif snif...

In the meantime, I am here in the kind of surroundings/Christmas I do not agree with.

My sweetie's family (his mom's side - she and her husband and kids, grandkids etc), are nice and all that shutff, I just do not like their idea of the commercialistic way of celebrating it. Grin and bear it. I have not and will not be buying any gifts, just like the past more than ten years now.

I will bake cookies or cook something to bring.

That I can do and be in my integrity.

I have asked them (every one including my partner) not to buy me a gift.

I doubt they will listen.

When your BIL's home has a Xmas shower curtain (his wife goes nuts) to match the rest of the Xmas decor (we went there for thanksgiving), you know they just don't get my ideas/beliefs.

I am accustomed to feeling like the black sheep outside of my close friends.

Still, I hope you all enjoy it in any way that feels comfortable to you!

I hear you.

I'm not a big commercial xmas person either really. I like the idea of giving and I like the idea of so many people celebrating at the same time.

Our Christmas is very simple and will be even simpler this year since it will just be the two of us here this year. I bought my Husband some gifts, they are all things he needs.

I guess Christmas to me isn't that big commercial machine.

[Marilyn. 340]

for me I just love seeing the people's faces as they open the gits I have got for them specially the kids and this year I tried to make it more about the kids....

oh and by the way yesterday I tried one of those truffles I made.. mmm soo good and not as sweet as I thought they were going to be.... the recipe is definitely a keeper

Edited December 23, 2008 by *Marilyn*

[MrsCat 6]

I agree with you Spirit, but I love Christmas, just not all the shopping and insane extravaganza that goes with it. I love family and friends coming over, playing games to all hours of the night, funny/sappy Christmas movies, baking, walking the dog at night and seeing all the Christmas lights. I like the sense of community that is regained at this time of year. We're all doing so many different things all times of the year, and this is the one time that it seems everyone comes together and are doing the same things.

Personally for me, the gifts could be dropped all together and I'd be one happy camper. I hate the feeling of obligation to give someone something just because that's the way its supposed to be. I like the gift of someone's time. A like the gift of a really good personal story. I like the gift of a huge hug from my aunt and uncle when they walk through the door. I like when we sit by the lit tree and drink hot cocoa without any other interruptions besides a little Bing Crosby.

I'm not sure if anyone else feels this way, but after Christmas with all the gifts lying about, I feel guilty. I feel like, what on earth have I done to deserve any of these things. Why didn't that person just spend the money on themselves and know that it was enough that they're happy. Then at the same time, I understand that they wanted to do something for me and that makes them feel good. I dunno, things always seem so complicated at this time of the year.

Enough of my ramblings.

[trailmix 77]

I agree with you Spirit, but I love Christmas, just not all the shopping and insane extravaganza that goes with it. I love family and friends coming over, playing games to all hours of the night, funny/sappy Christmas movies, baking, walking the dog at night and seeing all the Christmas lights. I like the sense of community that is regained at this time of year. We're all doing so many different things all times of the year, and this is the one time that it seems everyone comes together and are doing the same things.

Personally for me, the gifts could be dropped all together and I'd be one happy camper. I hate the feeling of obligation to give someone something just because that's the way its supposed to be. I like the gift of someone's time. A like the gift of a really good personal story. I like the gift of a huge hug from my aunt and uncle when they walk through the door. I like when we sit by the lit tree and drink hot cocoa without any other interruptions besides a little Bing Crosby.

I'm not sure if anyone else feels this way, but after Christmas with all the gifts lying about, I feel guilty. I feel like, what on earth have I done to deserve any of these things. Why didn't that person just spend the money on themselves and know that it was enough that they're happy. Then at the same time, I understand that they wanted to do something for me and that makes them feel good. I dunno, things always seem so complicated at this time of the year.

Enough of my ramblings.

That's really nice

I don't feel guilty - but that is in general, generally when someone gives me a gift I just accept it and know that it made them happy to get me something. Now the exception to that is my Mom, when she spends too much it makes me feel bad, I mentioned that in another thread. For instance, this year she gave my Husband and I each our own gift certificates for Penneys - for far too much.

So I took one of them and sent it to my Sister (my Mom is enroute to her house in Nebbie as I type this) and that will be in her Christmas Card I also sent there

I don't think it can be considered 'regifting' haha.

[SpiritAlight 1]

I agree with you Spirit, but I love Christmas, just not all the shopping and insane extravaganza that goes with it. I love family and friends coming over, playing games to all hours of the night, funny/sappy Christmas movies, baking, walking the dog at night and seeing all the Christmas lights. I like the sense of community that is regained at this time of year. We're all doing so many different things all times of the year, and this is the one time that it seems everyone comes together and are doing the same things.

Personally for me, the gifts could be dropped all together and I'd be one happy camper. I hate the feeling of obligation to give someone something just because that's the way its supposed to be. I like the gift of someone's time. A like the gift of a really good personal story. I like the gift of a huge hug from my aunt and uncle when they walk through the door. I like when we sit by the lit tree and drink hot cocoa without any other interruptions besides a little Bing Crosby.

I'm not sure if anyone else feels this way, but after Christmas with all the gifts lying about, I feel guilty. I feel like, what on earth have I done to deserve any of these things. Why didn't that person just spend the money on themselves and know that it was enough that they're happy. Then at the same time, I understand that they wanted to do something for me and that makes them feel good. I dunno, things always seem so complicated at this time of the year.

Enough of my ramblings.

That's really nice

I don't feel guilty - but that is in general, generally when someone gives me a gift I just accept it and know that it made them happy to get me something. Now the exception to that is my Mom, when she spends too much it makes me feel bad, I mentioned that in another thread. For instance, this year she gave my Husband and I each our own gift certificates for Penneys - for far too much.

So I took one of them and sent it to my Sister (my Mom is enroute to her house in Nebbie as I type this) and that will be in her Christmas Card I also sent there

I don't think it can be considered 'regifting' haha.

I love what you both had to say about your feelings at this time of year.

It is a complex thing...like people.

Hahaha!

Multi-level and multi-feeling.

Yup.

Love and joy to all...and please be safe if travelling.

[SapphireDreams 71]

for me I just love seeing the people's faces as they open the gits I have got for them specially the kids and this year I tried to make it more about the kids....

oh and by the way yesterday I tried one of those truffles I made.. mmm soo good and not as sweet as I thought they were going to be.... the recipe is definitely a keeper

I actually made these also (without even reading about them here!) and I used white chocolate chips instead of the semi-sweet chocolate and they are a bit sweeter! I also made a batch with milk chocolate too.

They were so easy and they look so professional!!

I'm really excited to be done with work tomorrow. I am dying for a vacation!!!

[Sprailenes 47]

I am officially finished my Christmas shopping. The eyeclops bionic eye I was looking for everywhere in Jersey I found up here at Zellers. I bought my husband two more gifts too today. Its looking so full under the tree and Santa hasn't even arrived yet! Ahh I can't wait to see peoples reactions!

Edited December 23, 2008 by Sprailenes

[Sprailenes 47]

Oh and no Christmas is complete without some family drama!

I had to go and apologize to my cousin for teasing her about her ongoing drug use. She was making fun of my mother and I for acting silly and I said to her: "Well we don't need drugs to have fun!"

Then she replied in the most sarcastic tone: "Yea I'm a druggie...whatever"

So I told her that it was okay and that the first step to sobriety is admitting that you have a problem.

Then she used a potty mouth with me and now I have to go say sorry. I guess she's sensitive but its the way we talk to each other as a family. We're very very honest with each other and we joke about EVERYTHING. Of course she is only 21 and has many of her own issues and doesn't understand our family dynamics as much.

I hate being the one to apologize. Why doesn't she apologize for being such a tard with the dope.

Okay I'll save it for my therapist.

Merry Christmas to all.

But when I say sorry I am going to give her the number for narcotics anonymous. I WAM!

[shiri 0]

It has been fun reading through this thread guys! There are so many festive pics. Well, two days ago, I found out there is a good chance my hubby will be driving out to see the kids and I for Christmas. If he is coming, he is supposed to leave tomorrow. He will drive 2000 miles to come here. I really hope he makes it.

Has he left yet? [insert excited smiley here]

Nope, I talked to him yesterday and he said there was a hold up, but that he should be leaving today or tomorrow. It's our son's first Christmas, so I hope he does get here in time! It's been over 3 months since we saw him after Zach was born. (Zach is 4 months old already.)The countdown continues! Only a few more nights til Christmas and hopefully only a few more until my hubby gets here too!

Awwww. Zach is such a cutie!

I second that shiri. Could his smile be any more adorable?! Hope hubby gets there before the big day

Oh.... before he gets there..... cut the tag off the bib! You own it now, you can do it. *mutter mutter stupid tags mutter mutter*

(Can you tell that's a pet peeve? )

lol I understand. It was the first time that he wore the bib and I didn't notice the tag until the pic had been taken.

Thank you Krikit, Mrs Cat and Carlawala! I really appreciate it!

Edited December 23, 2008 by shiri

[MrsCat 6]

Oh and no Christmas is complete without some family drama!

I had to go and apologize to my cousin for teasing her about her ongoing drug use. She was making fun of my mother and I for acting silly and I said to her: "Well we don't need drugs to have fun!"

Then she replied in the most sarcastic tone: "Yea I'm a druggie...whatever"

So I told her that it was okay and that the first step to sobriety is admitting that you have a problem.

Then she used a potty mouth with me and now I have to go say sorry. I guess she's sensitive but its the way we talk to each other as a family. We're very very honest with each other and we joke about EVERYTHING. Of course she is only 21 and has many of her own issues and doesn't understand our family dynamics as much.

I hate being the one to apologize. Why doesn't she apologize for being such a tard with the dope.

Okay I'll save it for my therapist.

Merry Christmas to all.

But when I say sorry I am going to give her the number for narcotics anonymous. I WAM!

I miss my family and the drama. :crying: :crying:

[shiri 0]

I am glad you got to try the cookies. I haven't made too many this year. The kids and I will make some sugar cookies tonight.T We made a gingerbread house last night and I got all my wrapping completed. It was fun to put the presents under the tree and I told the kids that if they opened them early, I would take them back. Ok, that is a bluff... but I really wanted to put them out without having to deal with opened presents and paper everywhere. I wrapped about 3 or 4 for each and then turned on the lights and put the presents under the tree. I did and it was cute to watch them get close to the tree with the lights on and each take guesses at what they could be. It brought back memories. I am missing hubby and still haven't gotten word from him on whether or not he left to come yet. I guess we will see what we will see - huh?

[shiri 0]

But when I say sorry I am going to give her the number for narcotics anonymous. I WAM!

I know the temptation is there. I think we all have a bit of the family drama. I could write a novel with everything that is going on this year. Hang in there!

Edited December 23, 2008 by shiri