We started our day in a relaxed sort of way. I didn't have to worry about cleaning the bathrooms or vacuuming the floors. We weren't rushing around trying to get turkeys basted and casseroles heated on a timetable. In fact, we didn't even have turkey. The kids helped us make our family menu, and they chose chicken over turkey. Mark threw in a pork roast too, just to spice things up a bit.
We had a lovely dinner together after which we settled down to watch our first Christmas movie of the season. It started to feel a whole lot like Christmas! Watching Charlie Brown sit down to a dinner of toast and jelly beans added to the festive feeling in the air.
And of course nothing says holidays better than Black Friday. Ever since we got married, Mark and I have made Black Friday an almost-all-night date night. Our move to the Arctic kind of threw a wrench in that tradition since we do not have family to spend the night with the kids. Last year the tradition was saved by a friend who graciously agreed to be just crazy enough to attack the huge New York mall with me. She couldn't make it this year, though. I was bummed. Then on a whim, I asked my oldest if she wanted to go. Of course she did! Sometimes I forget she isn't five anymore.
Unfortunately, despite the addition of a new partner in crime, this year may have marked the end of my 17 year run on Black Friday. I'm sure the retailers are kicking themselves for not coming up with the brilliant idea of opening the stores late Thursday instead of in the wee hours of Friday. Staying up late instead of dragging oneself out of bed? Much easier on this night owl. And apparently much easier on, like, 10 million of my closest shopping buddies.
You know I despise crowds. So we only made it to two stores. BUT I had an awesome time with my girl. Great time with someone you love...that's what makes an experience worthwhile, so it certainly was worth the hassle to venture out last night.
With all this holiday spirit coursing through my veins, I'd say it's time to corral the family and get out the door to find a Christmas tree.
3 comments:
It is good to see you blogging again!
Glad you got your Holiday Spirit up and running! One of my Very Favorite Thanksgivings was our pizza one. It was perfect. I needed that change even as I worried that it might not feel right. Great memories are sometimes made in the out-of-the-box moments.
It still makes me happy to know that I'm not the only one who hates crowds. I don't often do Black Friday for that very reason. I do make an exception when Guy needs to be punished. ;O) And I made the exception last year just so I could take my girls. I'm done for another few years...
Glad you had a great day - it sounds perfect :-)
And that is one thing I love about the age of our kids now - they are fun to be with and have conversations. I love watching them become young adults. :-)
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