Parchment Paths

Christmas has come and gone and soon 2012 will be leaving as well. As usual there were some Christmasy events I missed out on, I do have to work , sadly, but all in all it was wonderful! Christmas Eve I attended  candlelight services at my new church and exchanged gifts with my dad. Christmas morning, I made pancakes and then we spent the day with my brother and his family. It was perfect, eating a lovely dinner, opening presents, and driving around looking at Christmas lights, but the best part was spending time with family.

Last weekend I hosted my church's Ladies Christmas Tea, making this year the first we've had the tea since my mother passed away and the first one I hosted on my own. The turn out was smaller than in the past,  but everyone enjoyed themselves and said Mom would be proud, which made it all worth while. The theme was Angels We Have Heard on High. Just as angels delivered the message of Christ's birth, we must do the same, whether by inviting people to church, or simply displaying patience while in a long, slow moving line at the store. I admit, having a loving, Christmas spirit it difficult; I work at a large retail chain, but seeing a smile on a tired cashier's face, or hearing a little kid laugh tell you about the toys they want, makes it special.  Another wonderful experience I had was finding the matching  Rescuers ornament to the one I've had since being a kid in the 90's. Does anyone remember these guys? Bernard and Bianca from Disney's the Rescuer

I am so excited about Christmas! It is my favorite time of year, the crisp air, the whips of snow falling, the music, the presents, and the food, yes, I love it all and I refuse to let negativity and materialism creep in and ruin my holiday!  I spend as much of it with my friends and family as I can. So far, I've been able to go shopping with my Dad and niece, and nephew.  I went shopping with my sister in law and one of my friends as well, I just didn't; get any pictures. Garrett writing a letter to Santa  My dad began decorating much earlier then usual, in fact he did most of it before I was even aware he was decorating!  Both of us went to get the tree though, which was nice since I've been getting it by myself for some time.