Should old acquaintance be forgot...


I am admittedly a sucker for marketing. The same can be said for holidays.

I like to buy in.

And when it comes to Christmas, I'm not alone; everyone likes to embrace the merry spirit.

However, I often find myself riding solo when it comes to New Year's Eve.

People like to have an attitude about it: "It's sooo overrated."

And, truth be told, it probably is overrated. But when it comes to NYE for me, it's not about the stroke of the new year, it's about the opportunity.

The opportunity to buy a new dress, to wear far more glitter and jewels than is ever appropriate and (some years) to wonder who my magical New Year's Eve Kiss will be. New clothes, glitz and budding romance... Really, what's not to love?

Of course, celebrating the holiday is not a matter of buying in to someone else's NYE paradigm, but instead, doing exactly what you want. If you don't want to go out, embrace the jiffy pop and Full House reruns on your couch. Just make sure you do it right; put on your cutest jammies and treat yourself to popcorn that isn't low fat.

Between the economy, Michael, balloon boy, Tiger and (whew!) far more, it's been a wild year. Make sure you treat yourself right. We all need to prepare ourselves for the glory that will be 2010 - I'm sure it's going to be a good one. Besides, I really don't think anybody does New Year's better than Michelle Tanner.

Merry Christmass

This year we've had to adapt a few of our Christmas traditions. My mom has to remind us constantly that "everyone needs to be flexible".

Courtney has to come home a few days late and Ashley can't come home at all. My dad will also be out of town the week after Christmas, so we're waiting to celebrate until January 2. With 40 percent of the original CAWDS missing, as well as Santa's number one helper (aka my dad), upholding traditions is bound to be a shaky process.

However, regardless of how many practices have been amended, there are two things I can count on when it comes to Christmas Eve...
  1. Brandon, Duke and Sam will always misbehave at church. For example, one year they stole one of my heels off my feet and passed it down the row. The strangers in our row really appreciated having to touch my shoe.
  2. Sam will always laugh when any song says "ass" even though they're clearly referring to a donkey in the manger.
I'm happy to say that even though we were missing nine of our usual attendees, we still upheld standard church protocol. Tomorrow when our presents remain wrapped under the tree and our stockings continue to hang on the mantel, I'll find solace in this.

And as much as I love our traditions, making new ones each year is just as wonderful. It's the beauty of having a family that is rapidly growing (welcome Griff!). Besides, the ability to evolve is the ability to survive, and when we're doing it together it's much more fun simply surviving. It's the ability to share joy, love one another, and laugh at the word "ass" in church.

love

I received this email and thought you could all assist in this sweet boy's dream. Spread the holiday love...

My long time childhood friend has a very special 7 year old son (Nathan) that is losing his battle with brain cancer and the family has made the decision to not pursue further treatment. This will be his last Christmas and he has one wish ~ to collect a million Christmas cards. Spoken like a true 7 year old boy. Though he may not collect a million, a lot to him will seem like a million. If you would like help make Nathan’s Christmas wish come true, please consider sending a card. I know this will mean a lot to him, as well as his family. Thanks and many blessing to you all. Stephanie J Nathan Elfrink 2415 Taylor Blair Road West Jefferson, OH 43162