The Festive Season

One of the biggest things that I've missed being overseas has been the decorating for different holidays.  It was never so obvious as it was at Christmas time.  Sure the occasional flower store would sell poinsettias (they were in season after all) and there would be Christmas cards for sale at the local grocery store, but it just wasn't the same.  I missed the lights on the houses, the big Christmas trees, and seeing Santa getting accosted at the mall by feisty four year olds.

I did give it my best shot to decorate my own place for the holidays.  I made snowflakes, candy canes, and evergreen trees out of origami paper for the windows, I bought some Christmas oranges, and hung a few lights.... but really it just wasn't the same!  I missed the tradition - and hanging lights on my sliding glass doors into my laundry room only seemed to highlight the fact that I constantly had clothes waiting to dry and be folded off the drying rack. 

Travis' Mom had sent him a Christmas tree, and my wonderful family had sent me a care package with lots of Christmas presents.  It was a fun Christmas and a unique Christmas, certainly one I won't quickly forget.

But tradition is a lot of fun too.  I was looking around my parents house today and I realized just how much I love all of my Mom's Christmas decorations.

 The miniature Christmas village that lights up.

 The mantle with our stocking that Mom cross stitched.  (Man I wish that was a talent I inherited... sadly we'll never know, as I certainly didn't inherit the patience to try. lol)

But most especially the tree.  It has all of the Christmas decorations on it that our family have been given, have made, or have purchased over the last 27 years of my parents marriage.  There are horrid little caricatures of things that the boys and I have made in school - Popsicle sleds and acorn Santas.  Mom always tries to get us to decorate it together, and we end up reminiscing over a few things at least.  It may be sappy.... but it's Christmas tradition, and in the end, that's the important thing, right?

One other thing that I'm looking forward to as part of the "Christmas Tradition" is a big ol' Turkey, some stuffing, and a bit of mashed potatoes.  After all.... last years Christmas dinner was the best I could do under Korean grocery store availability.

Ground pork quesadillas with cheese and roasted peppers.  Served with salsa.  Merry Christmas?  lol

Whatever the traditions are for your family during the holiday season I hope you enjoy them this year!  (Who knows, maybe pork quesadillas will catch on! :D  )