'twas the Night Before Christmas

I have always loved the Christmas season. Though our culture has shifted the focus of this holiday to the commercial end of things, there's still something about Christmas that makes me smile. I think it has something to do with the lights. Seeing bright (if slightly tacky) light displays everywhere gives me a really funny, happy feeling. It always has. However, I think my absolute favorite part of the season is Christmas trees. The smell, the lights, the ornaments, I love everything about them. Whenever I'm feeling sad in December, I like to turn on the Christmas tree and just sit with it in an otherwise dark room. Something about it is incredibly calming to me. Yes, I know I'm strange. 

Christmas Eve is such an exciting day. You can feel it in the air, no matter where you are; last minute Christmas shopping, the smell of baking cookies, Christmas parties full of laughter (and screaming children). In my household, we spent a good part of the day together putting together Harry Potter lego sets to arrange around the base of the Christmas tree. As non-traditional as we are, it was still great fun! Even though the dog kept dropping her soggy toys all over the pieces and the cat kept sitting on them, we were still successful and our arrangement looks quite lovely, if I do say so myself. 

Now, all that's left is to fall asleep so that Santa can come to visit! Though it's against my normal sleep schedule, I mean to try! I love the excitement of coming downstairs on Christmas morning! It's something I'm not sure I'll ever outgrow! 

Merry Christmas, everyone! No matter your faith, I wish you happiness!

Family Matters

On Saturday, I began the all-important big sister roll of preparing my little sister for college. Of course, I may be starting a little early considering that she is 8, but that's beside the point. After receiving yet another lecture from her (someone scratched "fuck you" on our apartment door at some point before we moved in. Emma does not approve.) we began our quest for adventure.
Earlier that week, I'd received a tip that a nearby museum was holding an animal presentation, so we headed that way (with the source of the tip in tow, of course). The Wagner Free Institute of Science is only a few blocks from campus, so it was a relatively easy walk, even for Emma with her shorter legs. Though I really shouldn't be saying that. At the rate she's growing, she'll be as tall as I am soon. Sigh.
Anyway, moving on. I would highly recommend the Wagner Free Institute of Science. They are funded entirely on donations, yet incredibly well run. Their upstairs exhibit contains samples of coral, rocks, minerals, all sorts of preserved animals and even dinosaur bones! For the kids, they run a scavenger hunt that takes them to all corners of the room, answering questions. I was certainly worn out from it! Also, the institute occasionally hosts special presentations and classes - all free! The one we attended - Fangs! - was run by the Elmwood Park Zoo who did a fantastic job. Their presentation included snakes, an opossum, bats and several other critters. Emma and I both loved it!
After the exhibit, we proceeded to an afternoon of cookies, exploring the campus and carving pumpkins, definitely one of my favorite holiday traditions. Usually, I take a lot of pride in my pumpkins, though I think Marco may have outdone me this year with his rather realistic looking fox.
Overall, a wonderful day or sister bonding and adventure! (Emma particularly liked the ice cream available in the dining hall.)
On another family related note, I received a package from my mother today. At first, it seemed to be a basic Halloween treat surprise - funky stockings, caramelized popcorn and some delicious chocolate! But as I was sorting through the candy container, I discovered that it contained more than candy. Dispersed through the sweets were several condoms, some even flavored.
I'm not entirely sure what to think about this, so I've decided to find it entertaining. Oh my mother... I love her.