Get Your Christmas On!

YAY! I love this season. Sure, the commercialism is annoying and shameful and goes to show you how much the world has grown away from God, but the spirit of the season is what I get into and what is still ever present (at least in the company I keep). I fall into the commercialism and buying presents and whatnot a lot, as most if not all of us do, though that is partly to blame because 4 out of 5 of my intermediate family members have birthdays starting thanksgiving to about new years, this includes myself. Now, if I didn't get any gifts for Christmas, I'd be totally fine with that. But dammit, if everyone else I know gets to celebrate their birthdays and get presents, so do I!

It's been a challenge to get my mom and bro and sis and dad into the decorating spirit this year. Some of it has to do with our lack of funds. Some because our house is a mess with all the bathroom re-construction and endless computer crap from jobs my dad does. BUT i managed to get them to help me put up and decorate the tree, the stockings, the santa's from around the world collection, and some nic-naks on the bookshelves. This was all I wanted. A little festivity.

This year, I've taken up the role of Santa. I have spent a lot of money on gifts (granted, got TONS of great deals, and a bunch of things that were needed like clothes) but I'm happy for every penny I've spent. As I've said, I reached my year-end goal WAY early. So I'm almost considering what I make from now til New Year as my Christmas bonus. As far as taking up the role of Santa, I feel like I've accomplished a childhood goal. Not that I wanted to spend TONS of money, but in that I've always felt like I was destined to be Santa's helper. I even have a book that Sue gave me--one of those that you order girl or boy and the kid's name is printed in the book and you can put a pic of their face on the child's face. Yep. She never put a pic of my face there, but I KNEW it was me. One evening when Beth was old enough, Santa knocked on her bedroom window and gave her the very special job of riding in his sleigh to help him deliver all the gifts in time. This whole story was 10 times as significant at the time because I was CONVINCED my dad WAS Santa. I had all the evidence. I was a regular Sherlock Holmes and I knew the truth. I just waited ever so patiently for the day my dad would ask me to help him. I'll post another entry with my evidence. You'll see. It will all make sense. Nonetheless, I feel like part of that childhood expectation has been fulfilled and I'm extremely self-satisfied by that.

In short, Christmas is coming and so is my mom's bday Dec 11 (tomorrow!), Rojtmas work party (dec 14), Segura work party (dec 16, which I'll be missing) my parents anniversary (dec 16), idream's A Christmas Carol opening night and performances (dec 16-dec 23), my dad's bday (dec 25), my bday (dec 28), R-side crew's christmas party (dec 28) and new years/r-side new years celebration, OH and AnimeLA con (jan 6-8). And ice-skating sometime before jan 16. Add on what's only just recently passed: Lizette's bday (nov 3), Novan's bday (nov 8), Jad/Bree 3 yr anniversary together (also nov 8), thanksgiving (nov 24 this yr), my bro's bday (nov 26), Josh's bday (dec 3), the Azusa 1st Ward christmas party (dec 3), Jad's bday (dec 6). And let's not mention the MANY things I haven't been able to attend or other birthdays I might've said happy wishes to but otherwise don't really stress about. Yep. This is my Christmas season. LOTS of friends, family, parties/celebrations, FOOD, smiles (though there's always drama too), new stuff, new clothes, pretty lights, junk food, scarves/tights/hats/sweaters/jackets/boots all of which I adore, colds (not so fun but more or less expected anymore), singing, crafting, eating, playing, dancing, laughing, sneezing, freezing, all around HAPPIEST TIME OF THE YEAR!!!!

On somewhat of a post-script...
At Halloween I selfishly purchased $40 white go-go boots for cosplay. And just last night, I selfishly purchased a $35 wig for cosplay (in my defense, there was a special sale going on). You know, though? The more i think about it, the more I find I'm extremely happy having found a hobby I like. Cuz honestly, EVERY hobby is expensive. At least no matter what, I'm smart about how I choose to spend said money on said hobby. So go forth hobbiests, fly those model planes! Scrapbook! Take up photography! Collect coins and stamps! See just how expensive any hobby is. And I'll keep on cosplaying.