Bring it.

 After ups and downs, decorating and baking, pictures and lights, discussions and resolution, we are ready for Christmas.
The presents are wrapped (pretty much), the schedule is made, and we have plenty of time built in for ourselves (by design, of course).  I think this is the first year where, approaching Christmas Eve and Day, I feel relaxed and prepared. 

WHAT?  "Hi, I'm  (reader's name here). And you are.....?"



Yes, making said plan took some cajoling, if you will, but come on- how do you compromise on Christmas?  Whose traditions win out? How do you "share" the day with family, ALL family ('cause choosing sucks, darn it), yet have treasured and memorable two-of-you-time?

Well, we think we've done it.  Thank you, Lord.

Now I just have to keep reminding myself how blessed I am, that we have so much family to see, and that it is our first Christmas as husband and wife.  Pretty special. Thus we are making crepes on Christmas morning.

I mean, what else?

Merry Christmas!!!!  <3





Christmas #1
...or 6

 

Thankful.

Oh yes, I know that Thanksgiving is over, but I can't help but ooze gratefulness right now.  Minus the turkey.

As I sit in our warm, decorated living room, staring at our first Soldano Family Christmas Tree, I have a husband outside putting Christmas lights on the house (trust me- he doesn't need my help). I am playing carols on Pandora and will soon top this evening off with some hot chocolate.

I know, right?

It was just one of those days.  I spent good time with good people, actually went to the gym, did something productive for the household (grocery shopping), consumed a delicious and healthy dinner, and it's still early. I look at Kenny and see the season ahead of us and feel all warm and cheery.
(You are free to either close me out or vomit at any time, but I feel it is my responsibility as a blogger to share where I'm at. You don't read me to get up to date on the weather.)

The best part? Immersing myself in a holiday that glorifies the birth of my savior, sent to die for me and be my hope and peace.  May sound like a greeting card, but it's true, folks.  So not only do I get to enjoy the usual festivities of lights, nog, presents, and carols, but also glorify God and extend the last holiday's thankfulness by a whole 'nother month!  When I hear songs about angels singing glory to the newborn King, joy to the world the Lord is come, and even "pa-rum-pum-pum-pum" of a drummer boy who had nothing else to give but a little song, the delight that courses through me is almost unhealthy, I'm sure.
What else are we celebrating, friends? What's so great about December 25th if not Christ's birth? Otherwise, we're just a bunch of fools putting trees in our houses, hanging socks from our mantles, and sitting on old men's laps who claim to be "Santa."
Fun things to do, yes, but kinda silly if for no reason.

Praise God for his incredible grace, his unceasing love, and his son.
Now THAT is a reason to shout to the heavens, "MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!"

First step is...

...admitting you have a problem.
Hello.  I am Natalie Soldano and I am addicted to Christmas decorations.
When I am surrounded by glitter, sparkly lights, garland...my heart swells, I become short of breath, and imagine all of the possibilities.
Then I buy.  There's no stopping it.

I'm so ashamed.

And you know it's bad when you're thankful for the solace a random, middle-aged woman gives you in the Christmas section at Target when she says, gesturing at her festive cart, "None of this was on my list....I came for TP."
Me, too, random lady.
Me, too.

The justification of it all.  When I see something lovely that belongs in my house (belongs? really? see? it all goes downhill from there), I tell myself that it is not just for ME, but for the HOUSE in which Kenny and I both dwell. It's really for the greater good of our home.
Duh.
Now, I will say this for myself: I run with the bulls at the local Dollar Tree, only "splurging" on a wreath at Target. I just wanted to clarify that I'm not running wild through Crate & Barrel, spending our savings on several of these:


Metallic Leaf Spray
$19.95

People would have to be pretty serious about their leaf spray to spend $20 a pop on spray painted foliage, of which you would need from 3-5 to use in any sufficient decorating capacity. A lone leaf spray would just not do.   
Luckily for our rent budget, we are almost done.  Just need lights on the house and a decorated tree.  Then I am left with crafting only (need to make a tree skirt and a table runner) which will run a significantly smaller bill than going out and getting them, I feel. 
Oh, who am I kidding. I still want the perfect centerpiece, doormat, wall hangings, candles...