Christmas is here

December 23rd
Its definitely Christmas!
Its hard to feel like Christmas time for me when i am in a warm climate. Being raised in Oklahoma...Christmas time is cold, snowy, icy and you must be bundled up everytime you go out of the house. Christmas lights are lit up on everyones houses, Utica Square is amazingly bright at night and the spirit is in the air. It is different in California.
This a.m. i woke up at 4a.m. to make the drive to Phoenix to share Christmas with my family at my moms. Upon my arrival, immediately i am overwhelmed with my moms homey Christmas spirit. Her collection of Santas, the tree all decorated and lit up, presents under the tree, stockings hung on the mantel..."deck the halls." What a great feeling to come home to and finally i feel the Christmas spirit. Although it is warm here as well....my moms house brings back the holiday memories, cold weather and family that i was surrounded by in Oklahoma.
I am an only child this Christmas. At first i was dreading not being with my sisters and all the holiday cheer that it involves: chatter, laughter, gift exchanging, cooking together and of course DRAMA amongst us all. Yes i was even going to miss the drama. Well after spending a few hours here with the dogs, my mom and every god for saken handy repair man (geek squad working on the computers, pool man and cleaning lady) i have found much excitement in my own bathroom, no one stealing my clothes and makeup and the best part is getting all my moms attention! This Christmas will be celebrated differently but in retrospect i know i will leave feeling relaxed after much needed family time in Phoenix.