'Tis the Season.....

       Deck the halls! Trim the tree! Break out the mistletoe! It's Christmas time again! Christmas is obviously a very special time for most families in the USA as it represents a time of love, togetherness and warmth. 'Tis the season for a lot of things: 'Tis the season for joy and giving and supporting those in need.  'Tis the season to decorate your home and place of work with so many bright lights and santa nik-naks that red and green seem to be the only shades in the color wheel.  'Tis the season for family and forgetting why your irritated with your mother because you know she loves you more than anything else in the world.  AND OF CORSE....'Tis the season to EAT! aka 'tis the season to bake, stuff my face, and locate my big girl jeans.  'Tis also the season to use my favorite coffee mug and wear my fleece Christmas onesie (yes those are monkey feet)! 

I do believe I have satisfactorily covered all the above areas this year, and went over-board in the eating category!  Our tree... and table-scape...

And the stockings were hung by the chimney with care.... 

And the tiny village lit..... 

And because no one wants to be fat alone of Christmas, I made these treat baskets...... and delivered to various members of the community.  To really top off the weight gain Mom and I also hosted a Holiday Cookie Exchange!!! We had a great turn out and all the girls had fun! There were sooooo many cookies.... and yummy snacks...

        As expected the holiday season has turned the little bakery where I work into a sugar dispensery packed with excited customers drawn in off the street by the smell of baking gingersnaps and us employees racing around in the back dipping macaroons, rolling mexican wedding cookies, and slicing lemon cake to keep up with demand......it's quite fun if I do say so myself!  

       Charlie seems to be enjoying the holiday because I am constantly in the kitchen and am very messy so he gets to play vacuum cleaner.....I think he's put on a few holiday pounds as well ;).  Also poor poor Fran went to the car doctor and was diagnosed as fatal.  The mechanic actually seemed quite shocked that I was still able to drive her and suggested I get a replacement vehicle immediately.  Replace Fran??!!! HA!! Yeah right!!! Like that's possible! I did do some looking although I haven't found anything yet....I know I am just putting off the inevitable but hey, I rather like my old-ass ghetto convertible...she has character.  Also in the exciting category, Neil has gone off to Paris for over a week with friends to visit and site see!! I, of corse,COULD NOT be more proud as I believe that travel makes life full and bursting with light and knowledge even its most primitive form.  I actually almost teared up as he left....my little Spud is all grown up!!!! He gets back the Christmas night and I just can't wait to hear him tell me ALL about his adventures.  Although we have the occasional sibling spat I truly adore him.  Also I have a secret goal!!!  Here's a clue....confused? Well last week I ran in a little local holiday fun-run (only 3.7 miles) in my well loved santa hat!! It was a blast and at the finish we all got to enjoy some cookies and hot coco and received our participation trophies in the form of sparkly tree ornaments.  Stay tuned for more clues ;) 

       Although we have next to no snow and the weather has been sunny and stunningly beautiful for weeks, I am praying that we will wake up Christmas morning to white everywhere.....it's a long shot but the most miraculous events are often based on long shots.  And naturally (you know me to well), I have to end with a cute photo of Mr. Charlie......It's his first Christmas so I took him to see Santa Paws at the local animal shelter.  He behaved to well! Mama was soooooo proud!! :D  Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night.....