is it just me...?

So...it's December. My calendar seems to be screaming it at me every morning.

I fully comprehend that December is the month that follows November. I've known that since, like, kindergarten. It happens every year. I just don't understand how November came to be. I swear, it feels like we should actually only be in July of 2003 or something. I'm not wrong am I? -And I swear, I'm not just saying this because of the frigid temperatures outside; temperatures that seem to plummit a few more degrees every single night. It's because...well...how does time move so fast?! There are only 21 shopping days until Christmas.

What the what?!

I'd be panic-stricken if I wasn't in a state of denial over what's left to do before I'm officially "ready" for the holiday. And I'd make myself a schedule of what needs to be done by when...if I knew it wouldn't induce very real panic. (Who said that avoidance isn't the answer?)

I really am more than half-done with my Christmas shopping. But...how did I let Thanksgiving come to pass without being a LOT closer to done? Because, blaudience, Black Friday ain't my thang, and shopping between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve...well, it makes me sick to think about. I don't even like to go to the grocery store to buy milk because of all those shoppers. It sucks the life out of this Ginabean, it does!

But, do you know? There are things that make me happy too. Little things, really. Such as:

The Christmas tree and Christmas decor!

It warms the soul, don't you think?

My fleece-lined woolen booties.

These bad boys keep my feet so warm that, occassionally, I have to remove the socks

and let my feet breathe/cool before putting them back on.

And then...there's my singles branch. I'm surrounded by amazing people, you know. They're funny and charming, and they totally care about one another.

Last night we had a service auction, to raise money to help out a few families in need this beautiful Christmas season. It was lovely. I tell you, my branch...they are not a stingy sort. If they are Ebenezer Scrooge, they are totally the Post-Christmas-Spirits-Ebenezer. So generous! I love these people! (Isn't Ebenezer a weird name? I've often wondered if old Mr. Dickens invented that name. Do you know?)

A little some'm some'm to get you in the Christmas spirit...
Because nothing can touch A Muppet Christmas Carol. Nothing.

Anyway...panic-stricken or not, I really am grateful for this season and for my life. I have the best family in the wide world (proof that God cares and that He loves me). And I have a knowledge that Jesus Christ was born so that I might have peace--both in this life and the next one too.

Happy Christmas, my people!