families and friends together

oh the holiday season. it's been an eventful one already.

Thanksgiving started with Bauer knocking my cousin (who is older than me) to the ground, flat on her back, right when they got there. That week also included her husband getting burned in the face with steam from some pots he was trying to unstick that exploded...dented the ceiling, and crashed to the floor. The festivities continued as we took everyone, including my 85 year old grandfather, to the Wildhorse. Thankful for family...and thankful for it all to be over. Onward and upward to the manger I suppose.

Yesterday I heard a friend discribe me as the Jerry Meguire of women. I didn't understand. He was referencing my desire to never be alone. While it's true, I don't require a lot of "emily time" I have certainly grown to appreciate my space over the past year. I will admit to always needing to be busy in the past. But I feel like I have healthy boudries at this point. Anyway, all that to say, one of the main reasons I love Christmas and the holidays is all the togetherness. The parties, the shows, seeing the lights, going to Christmas concerts, parades, etc. What better time to get together and spend time with those you love than celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ!!! AND you get to do it with the flavor of peppermint in everything. BONUS!

Last night I went to my second most favorite thing to do at Christmas, the Hanging of the Green service at FBC. I just love it. When you are a part of something for 12+ years, it just has a way of growing into your heart like few things can. Some people knock tradition and routine, however I think some of that is actually good for the soul. There's a song all the choirs sing at the end together. It's just about the most precious thing ever to watch the little ones in their robes doing their best not to just sit down or make funny faces at their parents. I won't make you read the whole thing...just the chorus:

Families and friends together share a special kind of love and cheer.
Sharing all the joys of Christmas time, the very best time (that strange enchanted time) of year.

now go get your favorite christmas drink and spend time with people you love!