Sunday, December 30, 2007

Pretend Christmas

Yesterday was "Pretend Christmas" at our house. Real Christmas was staged at a Disney World hotel (pictured), and so we still had all our gift unwrapping to look forward to upon our return to Seattle. Our first day back was recuperative, and day two was to be last-minute Christmas shopping... except that Little One decided to puke in the middle of Macy's. So Pretend Christmas came around to our house with a mild flu. Saturday morning, we arose to Jay in the kitchen (hurrah!) and a big Southern breakfast (three cheers!) followed by family gift giving. Harper was so overwhelmed with her generous assortment of new playthings, particularly a doll set from her Mimi, she was heard to exclaim: "I thank the Lord our God for these toys!" Jay managed the video camera and simultaneously unwrapped the customary socks and DVDs, plus the leather coat purchased from Macy's (immediately prior to the vomit episode). He and Harper also received matching remote control helicopters from his folks - much enjoyed by all including the dog, who would really like to get her paws on those things. I was not overlooked either: Williams and Sonoma hot chocolate paraphernalia from the in-laws, French perfume from the hubby, a Message/NASB Bible from Mom. It really did feel like Christmas. We lounged the day away, nursed Harper's fever (holiday sickness is traditional for the Kirks) and I caught a late night movie. Balanced my checkbook, too. It's nice to end the year with relaxation, shiny new stuff, and fiscal order! Amen, and Happy New Year!

Saturday, December 8, 2007

My Turn!

Favorite Christmas Songs
(Note: changes every year!)
1. "Please Come Home For Christmas" The Eagles
2. "Jesus, What a Wonderful Child" John Legend
3. "Linus and Lucy" Vince Guaraldi
4. "Mary, Did You Know?"
5. "Celebrate Me Home" Kenny Loggins

P.S. New Year's Song:
"Seasons of Love" from Rent soundtrack

Favorite Christmas Movies/TV
1. "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"
Fond memories with Dad, Mom, and Curtis.
2. "Christmas Vacation"
Lovin' Cousin Eddie's dickie, and Aunt Bethany's prayer!
3. "Love Actually"
A collection of interwoven vignettes. Tearjerking and funny. Love, love, love it.
4. "The Grinch"
Your heart is full of unwashed socks, your soul is full of gunk... CLASSIC.
5. "It's a Wonderful Life"
Unparalleled in mood and message.

Favorite Christmas Foods
1. Festive homemade iced sugar cookies
2. Gramma Crabb's tea cookies
3. Southern dressing with gravy and a side of turkey and sweet tea... Ah!!
4. "Jo-Jo's" and milk (Oreo type cookies with bits of peppermint in the filling, sold annually at Trader Joe's, my favorite grocery store)
5. Minted hot chocolate