It's beginning to smell alot like Christmas....

Now, I know that's not how the song goes, I really do. But this is one thing I've learned this year. I can decorate all I want, and believe me, I have this year. I went all out (for me....) I decided that if we weren't going to Idaho for Christmas, it was going to BE CHRISTMAS here! So we got our tree in record time, set up all the Christmas decorations I own, and decked the halls. It's been COLD here too! Even had to scrape the car the other morning. But it still didn't feel the same. not at all. Until I baked.

Ah yes, that intoxicating smell of Christmas goodies seeping out of the oven. It is good. and then it hit me. I smell Christmas. I can look at a fake tree all day, and admire how perfect it is, with it's prelit branches, and evenly spaced ornaments. But the smell of a real pine tree filling my living room, THAT is Christmas. The almond spritz cookies, topped with holiday sprinkles, those smell like Christmas. The peanut butter bon-bons, the smell of the chocolate melting on the stove, it fills me with cheer like nothing can. snickerdoodles, gingersnaps, muddy buddies, fudge.....


ok, I had better stop before I gain 15 pounds just from WRITING this!!


anyway, just wanted to share my super secret tip about Christmas.

Stop and smell the season.

Is it just me,

or has the Christmas shopping frenzie started WAY TOO EARLY?!?!?!? I can't go anywhere! The traffic is always horrid, and people are MEAN! I haven't even done any shopping for actual presents yet, but I feel like this started earlier than normal!

In fact, I'm trying really hard to not buy Christmas gifts this year. I think I'll have to, in one situation or another, but I'm really enjoying this non-materialistic year. Now, those of you that usually get a Christmas gift from me, worry not. All gifts are being MADE this year! yay! Now you get a personal touch, and the thought, that every time you wear/use/whatever the gift you will be getting from me, I have touched EVERY SINGE INCH OF THAT YARN! Maybe that doesn't really mean that much to you, maybe you'd rather have a Gift Card to Starbucks, maybe that creeps you out a little bit! ;-) But it means alot to me. It means I'm not forced to participate in the madness of the mall in December, and I don't have to get pissed at someone else that grabbed that last fondue pot off the shelf. Now, I did have to buy the yarn. Or the fiber to make the yarn. But not all of it. Some of it I recieved in a trade or a swap! Some of it is international yarn!! WOOT!

Now, all of this does depend on if I can reach my deadlines.....I really truly hope that none of you have to open up a box full of yarn, needles, and a picture of what you were supposed to get.....I'm going to try to not make that happen.

Now for something completely different.....

can you see the glee???