It's a wrap.

We're finished.

Christmas shopping that is! 10 days early! Well, 9 if you count that we are celebrating Christmas with M on the eve of Christmas. It feels excellent to be finished shopping. I am also excited that we stayed in our budget! I believe (and I am carefully saying this) that there is no reason to go into debt when giving to the ones you love on this grand holiday. When you remember the true meaning of Christmas it makes choosing a gift for a special person that much more enjoyable.

All I have left to do is to make a couple gifts and wrap them! Which is most enjoyable part, I think. Growing up I always thought Mom was the one that ever so carefully wrapped, ribbon-ed and tagged each gift and perfectly arranged them under the tree. Come to find out Dad was Santa's little helper. Interesting enough, R is the one that takes much care curling ribbon tales and wrapping packages to look picture perfect. He is very good at it. I enjoy wrapping of course, but R takes the trophy of creativity on this one.

Either way, I am already dreaming about what our Christmas will be like this year. I have such vivid memories of every year spent with my siblings and parents. I remember waking up when the skies were still dark, the rule: don't wake up mom and dad til coffee is made, no touching the gifts. I remember peering at the carefully written tags. I remember the curiosity, excitement, love, smiles and joy. I am looking forward to sharing these memories with M and E and making our own memories too.

What traditions and memories do you have of past Christmas'? I'd love to hear about them.

Keep Loving.