but I love Christmas

I love Christmas... I really really really, truly LOVE Christmas... I know it is stressful. I understand that it is depressing to some who have lost loved ones or who are alone during the holiday... I get it. I have lost some amazing family members as well. I have friendships that have been lost or lessened greatly over the past year. I have family that is far away and who I cannot hug or love on this weekend. I have a husband who is not a fan of Christmas. I work myself to death in the kitchen and at the mall to prepare. It is exhausting.

but I love Christmas

I love giving gifts to my family... I want NOTHING... ask them, it is true. I get frustrated if I have to open presents... I really do. I don't want birthday gifts. I don't want Christmas gifts. Write me a letter from the heart. Paint or draw me a picture. But I do not like opening presents at all...

but I love Christmas

I love to think and brainstorm over what would bring a smile or better yet a SQUEAL from my children. I love to think of a surprise gift for my parents and my husband. Scott and I rarely buy for ourselves. So, I like to try to get one "OMG" gift for him each year... not a big price tag, just something he wants, not needs... I love to get the best deal on the gift. More than anything, I love to stay up late Christmas Eve getting Santa ready... to anticipate the screaming as they RUN into the bonus room in just a few hours... I get no sleep Christmas Eve

but I love Christmas

I love to watch each child take turns opening presents (youngest to oldest, one gift each round). I like to hear the joy and the laughter. I love to see them try to act happy over the pair of jeans, and then squeal when they find a special surprise in the pocket of the jeans... I love to get tackled by the happy child who could not believe that I found it, got it, or actually bought whatever that gift was that they so desperately wanted and had opened. Then there is the cleaning of all the mess spread out all over the room.

but I love Christmas....

I love it so much that I just can't wait till this evening... I love it