savoring the season

 

How in the name of plum pudding is today December 1st? I'm not even one of those eager beavers who plow through November and all but ignore Thanksgiving in an attempt to bring on the holiday season seemingly faster. No, I eat my stuffing and make my pumpkin pies with great relish. But, this November seemed to fly by with even more speed than usual, as if it had no real identity. We hardly knew ye. 

So, now the Countdown to Christmas is officially on. It's not my favorite holiday (this is), but, of course, it's up there. I'm no Scrooge. And because playoff baseball took over the entire month of October, I barely had time to watch screaming broads hacked up by machetes. So, I'm making up for lost merrymaking by turning the Christmas volume up to eleven. At least, that is the plan.

The problem is, Christmas always sneaks up before I have the chance to really know what hit me. 

This year, it is my solemn vow that 2011 will be different. 

I promise to drink massive amounts of hot chocolate. If I can't have red wine, liquid dessert will have to do.

I promise to watch as many Christmas movies as possible, particularly any half hour kids' show involving Claymation. 

I promise to light my Yankee Candles (Red Apple Wreath and Sparking Cinnamon!) the moment I get home from work, like the old woman that I am.

Photo by Ginger & Garlic Blog

I promise to sit on the floor, wrap presents, and listen to Jolly Old Soul. "Back Door Santa," anyone?

I promise to quote Christmas Vacation as much as humanly possible, especially the phrase "Bend over, and I'll show you."

I promise to host the hap-hap-happiest Christmas brunch for my family since Bing Crosby danced with Danny effing Kaye (see? I'm quoting Chevy already!) and make a Christmas tree made of fruit. Yup, I'm gonna do it.

I promise to bust open my Charles Dickens anthology and read A Christmas Carol. Okay, maybe. Maybe. Who am I kidding? English teachers don't have time to read. But, I did just find the Disney version on Starz and set my DVR to record on Sunday.

I promise to make Christmas cookies!

I promise to send holiday cards!

I promise to savor this season and make sure my family and friends know that I love them. That makes me feel cozier than any bottomless mug of hot chocolate could, anyway. 

So, maybe Christmas is your bag, or perhaps you're a Hanukkah girl or a Winter Solstice guy. Whatever the case, happy holidays, blog friends! I hope December leaves you a few pounds heavier and a gallon of hot toddies happier.