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So, the holiday season is going to be rough for me this year. In addition to the obvious pain of it being the first Christmas without Mom, there's the fact that things are tight this season. Plus we're not putting up the tree this year, as a decorated tree + two energetic and mischievous babycats = disaster and everything breaking. So, no tree.
But. I am doing everything I can to find my holiday cheer:
- Dad and I are going to keep our holiday tradition of the Father & Daughter shopping trip; we'll just be present-shopping for our other loved ones. (We always went shopping for Mom together, and it's been a tradition since I was five or six, I think.) It's an important thing for both of us, even if it will be emotionally-wrought for a while.
- On Saturday I went to Wight's Nursery with Thea and Eric. They are THE store of holiday decor around here, and have 31 different decorated holiday trees. Going to Wight's is kind of like mainlining Christmas decor and glitter into your brain, and going there always boosts my holiday spirit.
- Last night was the neighborhood Christmas caroling event at the park down from my house, put on by the local Salvation Army. While I DO NOT support their stance on a lot of issues (especially LGBT ones), the local group is full of nice people, and spending a cold, crisp evening singing carols (which I love) with my neighbors is fun. They make fresh donuts and hot cider, there are horse-drawn carriage rides, and the organizers are always genuinely happy to see me. One little girl looked at me (top hat, full skirts, red ringmaster jacket, stripy tights, glow-in-the-dark skeleton boots and gloves) and asked if I was from Halloweentown, which made my night.
- I spent today doing holiday baking. Two pans of marshmallows (rose and violet) are chilling in the 'fridge, there is a batch of Chex mix in the oven, and soon I will make the dough for the gingerbread bats.
So I'm slowly getting into a cheerier holiday state of mind. Soon will be the traditional watching of Nightmare Before Christmas, and the singing along to "Fairytale of New York", and those will help, too.
But. I am doing everything I can to find my holiday cheer:
- Dad and I are going to keep our holiday tradition of the Father & Daughter shopping trip; we'll just be present-shopping for our other loved ones. (We always went shopping for Mom together, and it's been a tradition since I was five or six, I think.) It's an important thing for both of us, even if it will be emotionally-wrought for a while.
- On Saturday I went to Wight's Nursery with Thea and Eric. They are THE store of holiday decor around here, and have 31 different decorated holiday trees. Going to Wight's is kind of like mainlining Christmas decor and glitter into your brain, and going there always boosts my holiday spirit.
- Last night was the neighborhood Christmas caroling event at the park down from my house, put on by the local Salvation Army. While I DO NOT support their stance on a lot of issues (especially LGBT ones), the local group is full of nice people, and spending a cold, crisp evening singing carols (which I love) with my neighbors is fun. They make fresh donuts and hot cider, there are horse-drawn carriage rides, and the organizers are always genuinely happy to see me. One little girl looked at me (top hat, full skirts, red ringmaster jacket, stripy tights, glow-in-the-dark skeleton boots and gloves) and asked if I was from Halloweentown, which made my night.
- I spent today doing holiday baking. Two pans of marshmallows (rose and violet) are chilling in the 'fridge, there is a batch of Chex mix in the oven, and soon I will make the dough for the gingerbread bats.
So I'm slowly getting into a cheerier holiday state of mind. Soon will be the traditional watching of Nightmare Before Christmas, and the singing along to "Fairytale of New York", and those will help, too.
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HUGS
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May you have a Joyous and Debauched Saturnalia and a much better 2012.
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I've had to deal with cats and Christmas tree nightmares before too. I find the easiest way to eliminate it is to just get shatter-proof decorations. And luckily, you can find them all over now in stores.
That way, if your cat(s) are the type to climb the tree and make a nest in it, you don't have to worry about falling things that hurt your feet when you unknowingly step on them the next morning. ^_^
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Speaking of which, I'm threatening to some year have a tree with the bottom two feet all cat toys instead of ornaments.
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Come March it will be 3 years since my mom died. I'm not gonna lie to you...Yes, the holidays are tough & a mom here in Canada will be thinking of you & sending a hug. But it sounds like you have an awesome support system & you are always surrounded by love - and MINIONS!
BTW: It took me almost 2 years to decide on what to get for Ma's memorial tattoo...but finally I got it in September this year. Her ashes are in the ink...was healed up in 4 days, looks like its been there forever.
Wishing you & yours Peace this Christmas.
PS: Our traditional Christmas movie is also Nightmare B4 Christmas.
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Those violet marshmallows sound amazing!
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I always recommend looking at other people's holiday lights when things aren't feeling too christmassy.
Also, you've probably seen this but here it is again: http://www.fluffytails.ca/christmas.asp
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Oh my goodness that's BRILLIANT! I hope you told her yes!
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