THIS Christmas

I started this Christmas season worrying about the Christmas tree and wanting it to be perfect, but finally realizing that my perfect tree wasn't the same as another's.  What the tree represents to me is a childhood love of the lights wrapped all around.  Riding in the back seat of the car, peering out the windows staring at all the twinkling lights that danced around the trees during this time of year, filled me with happiness and joy that my spirit tangos with every year. My tree has no topper and I'm pretty sure you can tell I added additional lights in the middle to cover up the fact that those "in tree" lights weren't working.  It has no real style label other than mine but it makes me think of a wooded forest with tree gnomes having a fun time hanging out in their tree house during the winter snow day...which, makes my heart smile in a way that I'm transported back in time to watching those trees sparkle as far as I could see all those years ago.   

I, then moved to stressing about what to get each and everyone on my list and being upset with myself for not following through with the "perfect gift" to each.  You know, the picture you have of giving that one item they will forever remember and adore above all others.  But, what is that gift??  I purchased clothing, shoes, lights, shoes WITH lights, fanny packs, and the ever faithful gift cards (the gift card isn't the perfect gift, so epic failure there, but a C- for amount and thought).  I masked up and stood in lines and walked more than my step counter had seen only to end up wishing I'd done more! Don't we all feel that way. 

Christmas Day came and as everyone opened their gifts I looked around at mine. First, the blessing of  spending the day with those I love and the ones they love in return by adding the Mongrel's new tamers to our holiday festivities. Second, The taste of the memories I relived when I was inhaling the dressing mom made that tasted just like Grammys, so much so that I wanted to eat the whole pan just to savor the memories (carbs be damned!).  Third, the yearly running commentary on the "dry turkey" and it's lack of taste.  One year I'm gonna surprise them, with a less dry turkey!  

So, after all the stressing and mental/emotional breakdowns that occurred in the past 2 months, my Christmas was filled with love and laughter that defined my Christmas as Merry and Bright, just like my tree! Thank you family and friends for my precious gifts this season!  I mucho mucho love them.