'Tis the Season

     So, I am the Christmas queen.  All who know me know that.  I embrace it.  The problem.... I think the grinch has taken hold of me this year.  I just can't seem to get into the spirit.  I mean, I JUST finished the decorating today.  Yes, seven days before Christmas.  That is unheard of for me, who has been known to be completely done BEFORE Thanksgiving.  To make matters worse, I haven't bought a single gift. That's right.  Nothing, nada, zilch.  Not for lack of of desire or interest.  I actually am the weirdo who enjoys the holiday crowds and intense hustle and bustle.  However, not working for a few months sure dented my bank account, hence a much smaller holiday fund.
     The problem with all of this is..... I KNOW that the meaning of Christmas is the birth of my Lord and Savior.  I know that the best gifts are the memories made with friends and family and the time spent together.  Come on though, let's face it.... try wrapping an empty box for a loved one and explain that the gift is the time you are spending together.  See if that doesn't get you uninvited from future get togethers faster that Aunt Martha who gives hand knitted sweaters and 20 pound fruitcakes.
     So, in an attempt to salvage my spirit this year, I am preparing to take some Christmas card pictures of my beautiful girls, maybe get in some holiday baking, with jingling, jangling, spirit moving carols turned way up and a Sunday sermon to feed my soul.