I am a Grinch. This shouldn't be news to any of you. If we all recall last year's Christmas decorating post I tried to defend myself and claim not to be a Grinch, to no avail. This year I'm embracing it. I hate Christmas music. I am ok with rock/punk versions or mocking versions (as the punk covers usually are) but that's about it. Oh, or stuff with no words. I think I hate Christmas music so bad b/c it is so dang repetitive and catchy. Not in a "Oh I love to sing this song!" kind of way, but in a "Does this song ever stop repeating over and over and over in my head?!"I hate trying to put up Christmas lights. I'm vertically challenged so it never works out in my favor. I hate trying to make our little Christmas tree not look so Charlie Brown-ish. I also hate that it looks so little from across the room but in reality its almost as tall as I am... I hate that stores decorate for Christmas the day after Halloween and the Christmas music becomes inescapable from that day on as well.
This year I've discovered things to love about the above mentioned things:
Liliana is AMAZED by the Christmas lights and Christmas tree. She gets the cutest look of awe on her face when she looks at it.
She also loves the decorations at the store, particularly Target. The giant ornaments hanging from ceiling open a new world of wonderment for her.
She also loves the toys that dance and sing. She laughs so hard at them every time.
She laughs when I sing along to the annoying Christmas music that plagues my mind and ears. I would do anything to make her laugh, even sing. (And believe me, it is not a joyful noise. mostly just noise!)
And the best thing to love about Christmas? The photo above. Those reindeer antlers made me cry from laughing so hard. And I realized that if my only expectation for Christmas is to laugh my head off, then its not so bad.
I am glad that people try to take a little more time to think of other people. I am glad that people think about the reason for Christmas - Christ. If they only think of Him once or twice a year that's better than never. I am glad for friends and family to spend time together. Even if all my family will be together in Utah and we won't be there I'm glad that they will be able to be together. I am glad for the friends we've made here. Mostly I am glad that we have such a good life here in Manna with each other (Derek and I) and our sweet baby girl.
Well, Liliana is chatting up a storm in her crib, meaning nap time is over. She says "Mama" very clearly now and that's how she gets my attention. Which is awesome b/c, honestly, who loves crying?! I hope she'll be an angel on the plane again next week too. Gotta go!
Peace out homefrys!
