Busy X-Mas Schedule

It didn't really hit me that it was Christmas until at noon today when I was on my way to work I got stuck in the holiday mall/shopping traffic. It took 10 minutes just to get to the off ramp, another 5 to get off the ramp, and then 5 minutes or so to get past the mall. The only other time you see this many cars in Ashwaubenon is for a Packer Game. Weird, they actually won last night. I really don't follow football, It's just that my Grandma woke me up a little early this morning and Grandpa filled me in on the details.

While Jerad and I are technically ready for Christmas, I haven't really felt the Christmas Spirit 100% yet. Partly, it really doesn't look like Christmas outside. Secondly, I usually spend the holiday season working my butt off. Also, I'm usually able to take vacation this time of year to keep up, and this year, I'm stuck at work. Being at work is not overly bad. Secret Santa was especially fun this year; I got spoiled. I think the other part of it is that I haven't been bombarded with the religiosity of Christmas this year so far. I'm sure its coming. I feel like Advent is a little rushed this year, well actually because of the calander it is. I haven't had time to reflect this year on the "meaning of Christmas."

Christmas has meant many different things through the years to me. I'm calling this one, "Normal Christmas." As far as the forecast can tell, this is going to be the most normal Christmas I have had probably since I was 4. Despite a back-to-back line up of events, each of them is a repeat of a previously established tradition. Really, there is nothing new. No new events. Well, our Christmas Celebration a couple weeks ago is new to some, but I've been throwing a Christmas Party since I was in college. So, as I rush to get things done this year for Christmas, it seems a little draining. I'm more tired than anything else.

I do love Christmas though. Last year I had a major Christmas break through because it had been so special. For Jerad and I it really will be hard to top the magic of our first Christmas together. Though it should be equally special to have share our love in our new home as well.

I'm sure Christmas will be wonderful this year, even if I don't completely feel it yet. I hope everyone has a safe and blessed holiday! Give it your best; you just might end up loving Christmas too.

Merry Christmas

LastManOut