Is It Really?

Can it be that Christmas is just a few days away? I mean, my Christmas shopping is done, my gifts are wrapped, my tree is lit and yet it seems like Christmas is a long ways away. Maybe it's different if you have kids. I know when I was a child Christmas was all that I could talk about; Santa and his great journey to Snakey Lake Drive to deliver presents to the Carwile household. Where is that magic now? I miss feeling like every breath was one second closer to the best time of the year.
Is it possible to have that again? I don't know that it is.
It's like watching a magican performing a trick, but knowing how the whole thing works. It just isn't as special. You can't help but think, it's so simple, how could I have ever felt that THIS was ever something so amazing.
I want that feeling back. Maybe I need to create an annual holiday tradition with friends. You know, a party or dinner that would bring everyone together for a special evening. But would that make me feel any more celebratory towards the holidays? Or would it just feel like another burden to cross off the list before the end of the year.
I am not trying to be a humbug. Honestly. I am trying to do the exact opposite. Recapture that zest. Do you have any ideas? Let me hear them. I would love your comments.

THE BRIGHT SIDE

This has been a terrible year. Back surgery. Money problems. The passing of both grandparents. A good friend who discovered she has leukemia (her second non-curable disease). Yet all of the bad things that have happened have brought some good. I am so excited about seeing my family. I have been pretty open with them in the past, telling them that I really couldn't care less about being with them around the holidays. Shame on me. I now see the value in spending as much time with them as possible. They are all I have and they would be there with me no matter what. So, through all of the bad news I have gained some real perspective this year. And for that I am so grateful.

And in case I don't get to write again before Christmas. Please have a very Merry Christmas!!!