Oh hey, it's the 23rd of December and it finally feels like Christmas. Two days to bask in the glory of this holiday, and I'm gonna bask hard.
Life's been kind of a blizzard of craziness lately, so today I was able to get some Christmas stuff done and whip myself into a "ho ho ho" frenzy.
I guess it's hard for it to really feel like Winter when you live in a city that reaches a winter low of 72 degrees. But the past week it's been pouring non-stop, and it's been kind of amazing. I love the rain, the coziness, how the trees shine on the slick streets like they're looking into a mirror, warm soup and hot chocolate, a crackling fire in the fireplace, all the more reason for cuddling and movie nights, getting to wear a sweatshirt and sweatpants, ugg boots, cute scarves, sweaters, mittens, beanies, having an excuse to not have to style your hair everyday, and all the other yumminess that comes from winter.
Today I worked on our holiday cards, went to dinner with my family, then went Christmas wrapping shopping at Walmart, and gift shopping at Target. Oh my. I was literally sweating on the way back to my car. What a freakin' work out. I got some great stuff, bought myself some Christmas pressies, and ran into Gentry and Devin which was probably a big highlight of my night. They're always merry and bright. I also ran into Sister Preston who vented with me about the lack of male prospects in San Diego for a while. Jokingly of course...and yet again, not really. Ohhh men. Whatever. Over it. Anyways, I came home and watched Top Chef and Modern Family while I wrapped tons of gifts, ate the best new ice cream called "Hot Cocoa" ice cream, played with my puppies, and showed the family our matching Christmas pajamas for this year. It was a normal day, a productive day, but it was a really good day.
I'm really happy this Christmas. I'm at peace for the first time since losing my dad and my grandpa, and I think wow, they're up there during the day we celebrate Christ. I'm not sure what happens up there, especially during the holidays, but I'm sure they're all aware of the special celebration of that day, and they have an even more amazing perspective of the importance and sacredness of that day. And I know they have a better perspective of us down here on earth. I heard after you pass, you can actually see and feel all the love your loved ones have for you. So I don't ever need to wish my dad was here; he is here. Just like Christ, he too lives. He lives through me, he watches me, he's still involved in my life. And that is the best Christmas miracle I could ever know. This year I don't cry because I'm sad. I cry because I love my dad, I love my Savior and Father in Heaven, I know truth, I love the Gospel, I have an eternal family, and for the first time in years, I feel peace.
I love all things Dave Barnes. This year I heard this song from his new Christmas cd, and absolutely fell in love. It's everything I feel this year. It's perfect.
My favorite part says: We're older now, we all have changed, but we all laugh at the same old things. We'll spend the night with memories gathered around the family tree. We're so much more than blood, we're more than names...we're bound by bonds that only God sustains. There are voices now where silence was, the subtle signs of growing up. Where one is born, another leaves, branches on the family tree.
Anyways, I wanted to put up some of my favorite Christmas songs.
Coldplay - christmas lights
Joshua Radin - street light
Matt Wertz - I will not take my love away
Brendan James - the lucky ones
Joshua Radin - when you find me
Toby Mac - christmas this year
Michael Jackson - hold my hand
Bruno Mars - marry you
Jump Little Children - mexico
Lady Antebellum - learning to fly
Joshua Radin - road to ride on
Cary Brothers - honestly
Jason Aldean - don't you wanna stay
Killers - boots
Jason DeRulo - what if
Sean Kingston - letting go
Graham Colton - jessica
The Weepies - gotta have you
Dave Barnes - until you
Matt White - love
Download them and put them on repeat. They're amazing. Garrett is the master of all things music, and youtube.
Here are some of my favorites:
(Garrett, Stacey, Lynsi, Paisley, and Addi...your cd's have already been burned. Merry Christmas.)
Melodies of Christmas
(Can i just tell you that I cried when I knew I wouldn't be able to go see Davey sing with the Mo Tab with Garrett this year. Garrett thought I was ridiculous...but is buying me the DVD. Score.)
