Countdown to Christmas

You know those people who listen to Christmas music starting November 1^st? The same ones who watch every Christmas movie on TV starting… well, November 1^st.

I have to be honest here…

I’m one of those people.

My sisters and I last Christmas

I absolutely LOVE the heck outta Thanksgiving to January 1^st.

CAN NOT GET ENOUGH OF IT

The Santas my grandpa has carved

My grandma's Christmas candy recipies

I love the whole dang process of getting ready for Christmas too.

I personally enjoy thinking about what to get my loved ones, shopping for them and wrapping the gifts.

I love making yummy foods that we save for just this time of year.

I love decorating. I think it is such a shame that lighting up your house isn’t as popular as it once was, kindof like hanging the American Flag… but that’s another story.

All the hustle and bustle, I LOVE it. Last year was the first year we ever ventured out early black Friday morning, and I must say I will be doing it again, and hopefully again and again and again.

I honestly think that this blog is not doing my excitement justice. Seriously.

Every year my family goes and purchases a permit to go cut down our own Christmas tree and decorate it together hot chocolate, soup, and carols included. Our tree is filled with memories, Santa brought my sister’s and me a new ornament each year, it usually had something to do with a memory or trip we took the year before.

Cutting down Christmas trees one year with my cousin and her husband

When we went to Disneyland one summer, that Christmas each of us got an ornament of our favorite Disney character.

The year we were baptized we received a wooden lamb that my grandfather carved for us, signifying we were children of God.

One tradition that my mom started when we were just little girls was tying red, white, and purple ribbons on our tree. Red is for God’s love for us & White represents our sins being washed white as snow when we ask God for forgiveness.

Purple, is still to this day my favorite. Each one of us only ever puts one purple ribbon on, and you have to do it yourself. So when I was away at college, my ribbon waited for me to be hung when I got home.

Those ribbons are a reminder. Before the purple ribbons are put on the tree each one of us has to think of something, or someone we want to pray for during the holiday season. Then, every time you look at the tree or a purple ribbon catches your eye, you pray your prayer.

When I was in late elementary school, my best friend had a Christmas tree that was decorated right out of a catalog with wrapping paper to match. I remember it was just beautiful, and thinking, “I wish we would do a tree like this.” I know I went home that night and told my mom exactly what I thought about our tree versus my friends. She told me that those trees are very beautiful and classy looking, but our tree has meaning and memories.

I cannot wait to start a tree with Jeb, & to build traditions with each other and our future children.

This year, has been sort-of bittersweet.

This year will be the last year that my childhood traditions will be the same.

Don’t get me wrong I can’t wait to go cut down our own tree and light up the outside of our residence (tastefully not tacky!)

But, I won’t get the infamous socks and underwear bag next year, and I won’t have to clean my room spick and span next year, because all of my belongings won’t be in that room anymore.

Jeb and I made plans months ago to fly out December 24^th to Pennsylvania to spend Christmas with his family.

Secretly, I don’t want to.

I am so excited to spend Christmas with Jeb and meet all of his family. To learn their traditions and become a part of his family, but there is a selfish part of me that wants Christmas like it has always been.

Christmas Eve with my Dad’s parents with my Grandma dressed from head to toe in Christmas and my Grandpa shaking his sleigh bells telling us that Santa is on his way. Going to bed in our new pj’s after each of us reading the new children’s book we were just given.

Lacy reading her new Christmas Book

Notice my dad is asleep in both pictures!



Christmas morning at our house with my Dad’s parents again opening our stockings from Santa and enjoying home-made cinnamon rolls and fruit salad. Then the afternoon and next few days with my Mom’s family.

one of the last christmas mornings at my grandparents house

Opening presents, snacking on home-made foods and goodies all day, playing games with my cousins, aunts and uncles; Just enjoying one another.

But, those traditions have not happened for a few years now & I know that this year is just another year getting used to the changes.

Spending time with the Stoltzfus's (this was a tradition before we started daiting!)

This year I have made the conscious effort to hand make almost every present.

Crazy I know, completing the many DIY wedding projects that are still waiting to be started isn’t enough. No, not at all. Why not throw in 10 to 15 presents to make into the mix. Ha! Honestly, I have been trying to start the presents since Halloween, but with all the recent car trouble I have had lately and the frustration that comes with not being able to find the supplies I want and need, has been a real set back.

Last week during one of our nightly phone calls I expressed my frustrations to Jeb through tears and sniffs, he calmly replied with the best plan.

This weekend he is taking me and my sisters to see the new Twilight the second night it is theaters. Then, on Sunday he is taking me to the Springs to gather the numerous supplies I need for my gifts AND fronting the bill because thanks to the automobiles in my life I have slim to no money these days.

Personally, I think any guy who is brave enough to take not only his girlfriend on a date but her two sisters as well is most definitely a keeper. Top it off with taking them to Twilight on the second night it is out, oh yeah he isn’t going anywhere!

Dang I love that boy.

Dang I love this time of year.

Dang I love that after November there are only 7 months until I become Mrs. Stoltzfus

Dang.

Wedding update: Things are getting done! I had to ask the two girls I wanted to join my sisters as brides maids earlier than I though and without the creative idea I had, because my grandma said its TIME TO START DRESSES!!!!  I’m so excited, if you couldn’t tell.

I made an appointment with the place we are going to use for flowers.

We have pretty much finalized the finger food menu for our reception!

I talked to the wonderful lady we want to make our cake, turns out when you ask your “vendors” 10 months in advance in Westcliffe, usually they are wide open!

I am 4 months behind on my list of DIY projects, and strangely very okay with that. Although I know I need to get my butt into gear!