Hello chums. It's that time of year when there's lot of family gatherings to go to, delicious wintry food to eat, and hopefully, plenty of celebrating.
The reason I'm feeling all holiday-ish is because I just listened to A Charlie Brown Christmas, and up now is John Denver and the Muppets. My two absolute favorite xmas albums EVER.
This year looks to be the first time I'll be spending the holidays in California since I was too young to remember. Last year was an awesome xmas: back home in Montana, wonderful snow, almost all of my brothers, my future wife, my best friend, it was amazing. I suppose since I spent basically all of my childhood christmases in Montana, it is pretty much my ideal place to be for the holidays. And I LOVE the cold and the snow. Careening down a hillside over fresh fluffy snow and wiping out is one of the greatest things ever. (As long as you don't break your kneecap on the way down!) Also, make sure to bring hot chocolate (in the metal thermos, so it doesn't get cold too fast) and some snacks. I always thought bringing extra socks would be excessive, when I was getting ready to go, but I always wished I had them for the ride home.
Side story:
Bros! Do you remember the winter when it snowed 2 feet ON xmas day?! Pretty much one of the sweetest days ever.
We piled the snow up in a heap beside the garage and slid or jumped off the roof. It was like landing in a giant stack of pillows.
Man, this time of year is easily my favorite. Some people like the springtime when everything is blooming and green, but for me nothing beats the late fall/early winter. This is the best time to bake tasty treats to enjoy, tea and cocoa are more delicious, I get to wear sweatshirts... most of my favorite clothes are a little heavier and basically impossible to wear in any other season, especially since I tend to feel more on the warm side than most other people, it seems.
Bros! Remember listening to the Denver + Muppets xmas all the time on the old silver stereo on tape? Man, so sweet.
I suppose some aspects of winter can become more of a burden when you get older. Snow tires, driving conditions, things freezing... But thinking about those days when you're only job was to play (homework? who needs homework?) just makes me feel good. Like decorating the tree with mom. Or sneaking cookies out of the downstairs freezer. Or playing four player Diddy Kong Racing.
Sigh. Man, the holidays sure are awesome, right? I was super lucky while in New York to be able to have some excellent christmases with my sister in-law's (Jen's) parents. Joe and Nancy are super hospitable and really awesome to take in an extra guest. I hope they know how much I appreciated being able to go up there. I should really send them an xmas card...
I might be starting to sound sappy or something, but I'm just feeling grateful for my super kick-a** family. Family is definitely what makes the holidays special. Man, this John D and the Muppets really makes me feel all sentimental and reminiscent and peaceful. The Muppets effing rule. Same with Chuck Brown and the Vince Guaraldi Trio.
And on that note... check out this awesome video from youtube. (if I embed it right!)
Inside joke of the week: 'Are those your house keys or your car keys?' (Nick referencing Pat living in his car, which our mother was not aware of at the time)
