Before you judge.. Hear me out..

I know, I know it's a bit early.  Hear me out.. 

My husband and I have been living together for about almost 3 years now.  While living in our small apartment on the 3rd floor, we decided to forgo a Christmas tree and just put up some small decorations.  Last year during black Friday weekend we bought a fake tree which we were hoping to put in our new home that we had just purchased a month prior.  Due to unforeseen construction this never happened. Now that construction has been complete for awhile I decided that we could jump the gun a little bit this year.  To make my decision easier I knew that we would not have time to put up the tree next weekend and the weekend after that is Thanksgiving and we will be on the Cape.  If we wait until the next weekend it will be the first week of December and that only give us about 4 weeks with a tree.  Still not quite with me? Let me explain more my love for the holiday season. 

As much as I love the holiday season, I have always had issues with the greed that comes along with the it.  I hate it! I have to be honest and say that I am not the most religious person (I used to be but that is a post for another day) so I do not celebrate the Christmas that is known to Christians however I celebrate a season of giving.  The holiday season of giving really starts for me in November.  Thanksgiving is such a wonderful holiday as it focuses on family and togetherness.  So this really is my favorite time of year. So why not celebrate such a wonderful season.  Who doesn't get a little warm and fuzzy when they see my formal living room?!

A year ago my Husband and I decided to forgo the usual Christmas "gifts" and decided to "adopt a family".  We still bought a few small things for close loved ones but in lieu of larger gifts we bought gifts for a family that would have not been able to celebrate Christmas without our help.  You might say that this defeats my whole argument and in some cases I agree however when you read the lists of "wants" from a family in need you know you made the right decision.  It is such a great feeling waking up on Christmas morning knowing that 2 little kids who probably expected nothing got everything on their small list (warm clothes, books, board games etc.) as well as a few gifts for the parents.  

Christmas will be difficult for me this year for very personal reasons.  I am thankful that these beautiful decorations can keep me smiling throughout the whole holiday/giving season :) I  thankful that we are in a position to help out others in times of need.  I am thankful that my Mom is so supportive of me.  I am also thankful that my husband went along with my crazy request to decorate for the season this weekend (I was worried he might think that I went off the deep end).  I tried to listen to some holiday music while we decorated but that is where he drew the line! Haha I guess I can't blame him.  Although I will secretly admit that while doing errands today I stayed in a few stores a few moments longer just to hear some holiday music.

"It's the most wonderful time of the year, There'll be much mistletoeing, and hearts will be glowing, When loved ones are near, It's the most wonderful time of the year."

Much Love, 

S