Christmas plans

The stockings, tree, and other small decorations have been up since the middle of November.  Christmas shopping has been done since the beginning of December. Everything mailed and nearly everything wrapped. It is nice to get some things out of the way so we don't have to compete with other shoppers at the insanely crowded malls. I like the month of December to be as stress-free as possible, filled with Christmas movies and music. I've spent some time crafting up some centerpieces, and avoiding baking, so we don't have any more sweets around than we normally do.

 

 

Aaron suggested we start making these two years ago (our first official Christmas as a married couple).  I guess they did something similar as a family when he was growing up.  We bought trinkets and garland and foam blocks from Michael's and a dollar store.  Our apartment was covered in fake pine needles and glitter, but it was fun to do together.  And then we drove around on Christmas Eve and handed them out to families in the ward.  We randomly went to Michael's after Christmas that year and found bags and bags of the glittery stuff for two dollars each.  We bought a couple to get us set for the next few years.  Last year I was so exhausted from working full time and being pregnant that while we made a couple, they never got delivered. 

 

But this year, Aria is small enough, and with all the shopping and decorating out of the way, it was time to make centerpieces again!  Our floor is covered with more plasticy needles and hot glue, but it has been a lot of fun.  As a bonus, Aaron got a whole bunch of garland from work when they were cleaning stuff out, so we didn't have to buy anything this year!  We did end up finding some clearanced witches hat forms (in November) at Michael's though, so we thought we'd try our hand at making some trees.  I'd say they didn't turn out half bad!  We've used up a majority of the good trinkets now though, so we have to start getting creative with what is left.  We're not sure if we'll have the chance to do this for a few years - next year Aria may just be a little too "helpful" to get any of this done!

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For the past 50 years or so, the church puts on a live Nativity at Heritage Park in Calgary.  Aaron surprised me last year by taking me to it on Christmas Eve.  We waited about half an hour in the cold, and the seats were cram-packed.  We were smart and went early this year (the 20th), and met up with Tim, Wanda and Savana, and were able to walk right in and there was plenty of room!

 

 It was beautiful.  You could see the stars above us, and smell the hay and the animals.  The spirit was so strong.  I can't imagine giving birth in those days, let alone in a stable with animals all around.  It was a wonderful way to spend the evening.  I hope we keep this tradition for years to come.  (And if my Mom and Dad are joining us for Christmas next year, they can come along too!)

Our happy family, out in the cold.  Aria enjoyed it,
although she kept trying to eat her hat (while it was still on her head).

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And now it is four days before Christmas, and suddenly it is time to get stressed.  We did our last big grocery shopping trip two days ago, making sure we had enough formula for baby, and all the ingredients for food we'll be taking with us for dinners.  After Aaron gets off work on Christmas Eve, we'll be going to Tim and Wanda's house for dinner and presents.  And then immediately off to Anna-Mae and Ron's place for the night, so we can enjoy Christmas morning with them, and a nice dinner before coming back home.  No big vacation for us, because Aaron only gets one day off.  After a relatively stress-free month, it seems like everything has piled up.  This weekend we need to:

• make cookies for Christmas dessert (frost and decorate if there's time)
• make spinach dip (in homemade bread bowls that Aaron wants to make)
• make Ron's present (because that does have to be done last minute)
• any last centerpieces?  I think only one more.
• Christmas cards!  Lots of notes and signatures.
• deliver last of the centerpieces and cards.
• clean out the car, so everything will fit
• take care of Aria - this immediately trumps and interrupts anything else on the list, at any time.

We need to pack:

• laundry
• PRESENTS (for us, from us, including stocking stuffers)
• clothing to wear
• Aria's bed, diapers, bottles, and clothes
• FOOD (cookies, salad, bread bowls)
• games (what holiday is complete without games?)
• centerpieces
• camera (and charger)