Holiday Hullabaloo

Christmas is fast approaching. Lights adorn boring houses in the neighborhood and made it look more interesting. It seems like year after year people add a little bit more lights outside their house. We didn't do much light decor this year. It's not because we don't want to, it's because we can't! Last summer we had new soffit and fascia installed but not the rain gutter(that's where you hang the lights). We didn't wanna ruin the new soffit by pounding nails just so we can hang some lights, so we opted not to put up lights on the roof instead. There's a couple of lighted Christmas tree outside and some lighted ornaments on the window. That's it. But inside, we have a medium sized - real tree and a bunch of lights all over the house. We wrapped the pillar in the basement with lights, some more lights in the bookcase and a wreath on the big window in the living room. I think our house looks so bright and beautiful! Snow came early this year so it is definitely a white Christmas!

There are no presents under the Christmas tree yet. I already have quite a few here at home waiting to be wrapped, but i always forget to buy a tape! Although, I think i am doing pretty good this year, almost done with Christmas shopping-two more to go, Christmas greeting card is ready to go and i already picked out my outfit for church on Christmas Day! Great! Now i don't feel rushed. Last year, i didn't have the cards out until the twenties! I felt terrible! Anyway, I have a theme for Christmas this year - everything is in red and gold. From the lights and bulbs on the tree, to the Christmas wrapper I'll use and even on what to wear for Christmas eve dinner and to church the following day. A little over the top? Nah... just want to try something different, something new.

I am just so excited about the holidays! I can't wait to come home and open my presents, (although i don't see one yet, but i know they'll come), eat a lovely dinner and visit with family. This is the time of year too when i miss my family back in the PI the most. We celebrate differently there, more food and more family. Although i think it's different now that the kids are all grown up. Maybe they'd rather be out somewhere with friends. But i know one thing that'll never change - my Papa and Mama busy preparing for the noche buena. Papa will do all the cooking and Mama just cleaning up after him (she's a killer cook-literally!). Sometimes i feel like i hardly know my siblings anymore. I feel sad about it, but helpless. Life's journey has taken me far from them. But they will always be close to my heart.

Have a great Christmas everyone!