Agonizing Anticipation

Ok, perhaps "agonizing" is a bit of an exaggeration, but seriously.. I've done a spectacular job with creating an immense sense of anticipation for Christmas this year. There are only a few days left but still.. I can hardly wait!!

Partially, I did this to myself. When I was a kid I remember Christmas being a fantastic and magical time. But, in years past, I've felt like that special Christmas feeling has been missing, this year I wanted to try and recapture some of that special-ness. Honestly, I'm not sure that I could specifically or scientifically pin-point a reason for or root cause of that childlike excitement.. but, I had a few theories. So, I set out to try several different things to bring it back.

First, early on in the season, my hubby and I decided to try doing Advent along with Christmas carols. I definitely think this has added an extra special-ness to our December; nightly readings and singing around the piano is a tradition I'd like to adopt for us in future years.

Also, I like to do my shopping online.. but last year I had a horrible time getting my packages to actually be delivered to me. Thus causing my presents to the folks on my list to get to them very late. It was very stressful.

This year, afraid of this happening again, I began ordering my gifts early (like, in October). This lead to my being almost completely done with my shopping by Thanksgiving, with stuff arriving in early December. I don't say this to brag 'cuz, in my mind, right this moment, it doesn't exactly seem like an entirely positive thing... You see, with all my shopping done early, to fill the remaining time, I wrapped them... that then being complete, I still had almost two full weeks before I could give them to anyone! Even now, there's a festive pile of presents in my room, beautifully wrapped, waiting to be taken to their recipients on Christmas.. Taunting me. Mocking the pains of my anticipation of the receivers' reactions that is still FOUR DAYS OFF!
Not nice. Not nice at all.

Happily, I know that time will continue to pass, however agonizingly slow it may seem. Soon enough, we'll be heading north for our Christmas celebrations.

And, while Chicago hasn't actually gotten a respectable snow fall so far, I know there is snow waiting for us up there. And, for me, snow for Christmas, mixed with family is definitely a magical combination. We may even go sledding!

http://www.kayakcam.com/gallery-bellingham.html

It's going to be GREAT!!