Those of you who know me, know I tend to stress out big time when it comes to Christmas. A few years ago I announced to my family that we were going to Disney for Christmas. It was the best Christmas ever. A few years went by and once again I planned a trip to WDW for Christmas ( actually we came home Christmas Eve ). This Christmas was a challenge, but upon my return I was convinced more then ever that the best plan for my family was a destination Christmas ( more then likely Disney ). Needless to say some people in my family were not to happy to hear this ( mainly my sister Cori ). But my children are all grown, and their Christmas wish list has gotten smaller, so the usual production of Christmas is no longer a problem for us. Also I enjoy leaving the cooking, cleaning and decorating up to the great folks at WDW ( less face it they spoiled me ). I like being able to go see all of the great decorations, listening to the great music, and spending time shopping for fun stuff rather then fighting folks for that one special gift that everyone and their mom is looking for. Disney allowed me to get back that family feeling you should have a Christmas. It allowed me to think about the true meaning of Christmas, and gave me time to reflect on what an awesome gift God gave us when Jesus was born. For the first time in a long time the gifts and the hussle and bustle of Christmas were not as important. Spending time with my family and friends meant more. Havin said all of that I have promised my sister that I will spend the next two years at home for Christmas ( after that all bets are off ). Which brings me to my story....I agreed to host Christmas dinner this year. Of course the old feelings of being overwhelmed by the process started all over again. But this weekend my husband changed all of that. After 23 years of marriage my husband finally broke down and went all out with the Christmas decorating. We spent all day Saturday outside setting up lights, bows, angels, and wreaths out front ( it wouldn't have taken as long if Marc had known how to change the fuse in our Christmas lights. A sure sign that this was foreign territory to him ). Its been a long time coming ( we have never had Christmas decorations up this early )and even though I see going away for Christmas becoming a family tradition in the coming years. I would not have traded this weekend for anything in the world. Maybe it finally paid off going to WDW for two Christmas in a row. Maybe it was just time, but for whatever reason I am soo glad I spent the day with Marc planning out and putting up our "Winter Wonderland " ( at least that's what Nicki called it when she got home from work that evening ). We still have a few more lights to go up ( there is a big tree on the side of the house that hubby has decided needs lights ). And I have already compiled a list for next year of things I would like to add on ( and yes, we may still decorate the outside even if we are away for Christmas ). I would like to add some trees and wreaths or swags to the front porch, and get two of the grazing reindeer. Maybe even a speaker with Christmas music playing on the front porch. Marc did surprise me by buying the angel this year, so I am content ( for now ). I love seeing it all lit up at night, but the best part for me was the time we spent together that day ( can you tell this was the best part for me ? ). Thanksgiving day I got really sick and spent the a week 1/2 recovering. "Black Friday" we tried to get out and do some shopping for Christmas , but by the middle of the afternoon my body has started to shut down , so we called it a day and went home. Marc spent the rest of that evening by my side while I slept. The day we spent on the Christmas lights was the first day I had felt like doing anything even remotely related to Christmas. That evening after we finally finished ( we were outside from 10:30 am to around 7:30 that night, in between several trips to the store ) I kept looking out the window like a kid waiting for Santa on Christmas Eve. Sounds crazy but the lights made me feel like a kid again, and frankly that's what I love about Disney. Thanks honey, for bringing that feeling of Disney to our home and for being such a kind and loving husband ( not to mention the fact that you took away all of the stress I usually associate with Christmas and turned it into a fun memory ). I guess you are a keeper, because you made me feel at home for Christmas.
