It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

As some of you know, this is my ringtone at the moment, as I seriously love Christmas time. This year has been a little different, as I decided to be more simple in preparation and gift-giving. Those I love will receive one gift (this excludes stockings, of course, but those are simple, too). Yup, my mom is shocked as she remembers the year of the gap pjs stacked in boxes (no joke) four feet high for everyone on my list. And it just isn't worth it. Too crazy to buy, too much debt to incur, and realizing it is the people that make the gifts helped me realize that it was time to change. And I loved shopping this Christmas. I loved that I was calm and smiling and that I didn't have to trek to Roosevelt Field Mall once (three years ago I was stuck there in snow with Freddy). I thought that it was actually more meaningful to find one gift per person, as I had to really hope this is the perfect gift.

Our family and friends will be spending time enjoying one another, gifts just don't measure up to the joy we share in these moments. So, here are some highlights of Christmas Prep 2008 (since I have again been a bad blogger).

My new slippers and PJs for Christmas (I know fugly slippers, but man are they warm!)


The gals at out office part-ay


At a Christmas Breakfast


Each year Mom buys my brother Christopher and me ornaments celebrating something special from the past year. I received a teapot and Chris got a kiss my bass ornament, as he caught his first striped bass...very bold choice for Mom to buy.


2 of my fave ornaments, always aranged this way (please say it out loud and giggle)


At Rockefeller Center


And skating there (scratch it off the Bucketlist)





The Nativity at St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC (I am obsessed with Nativities, may be another post)



And our new favorite tradition - The Holiday Train Show at the NY Botanical Garden. Everything is made from bark, twigs, leaves and the scenes are famous NYC landmarks.

Peace and Merriment to All!!!!