I went to holiday pops with Abbles and Chris last night, and in the strange event that happens once a year (last year it was because I sang German christmas carols) I got amazing and stunningly infused with Christmas spirit. I ADORE Christmas and the whole season. No Grinch, am I! And sitting there with my friends singing Christmas Carols it struck me with the strange sorts of memories we all have of christmas.

I'm from Texas. I have not and as long as I live there will probably never experience that fabled "white christmas". But that hasn't stopped my wishing and reckless assurances every year when they tell us it's a possibility. So to me Christmas isn't memories of snow...it's instead Mom and I scrambling around the roof trying not to fall because I wouldn't let her just put lights on the eves...it's the way that winter in Texas smells - a sort of crisp cold that permiates everything - it's the way the christmas tree looks at three in the morning when it's the only light and I'm the only one stupid enough to be awake. It's watching my mom watch It's Wonderful Life and crying with her as we wrap presents together on the 23rd. It's being banned to my room and the laughter that follows as I try to sneak downstairs. It's latkies (sp?). Mmm. Christmas is waking up early on the 24th because I'm too excited to be asleep (yes even at 18) and begging to see if we can go over to G'ma's early and...sit there waiting for everyone to arrive. It's working in the shop to the Nutcracker and trying to finish everyone's christmas presents without letting my Muse know I'm rushing her. It's laughter and cookies and warm hugs and jackets and hot chocolate and pie and turkey and olives and not being able to stop smiling. It's arguing over which animal we want to buy from the heifer project and it's sitting at Paige's feet while she gets another cow. It's seeing my entire family together and not having to worry about stress or strain or drama just for one night when everyone is just... happy .

I wish christmas was around all year.

Peace on Earth and Goodwill to Men (and women).

-Over and Out