Spreading Some Holiday Cheer
Is anyone out there familiar with this quote from Tim “The Toolman” Taylor from Home Improvement? ”Christmas isn’t about spending time with people you like; it’s about spending time with your family.” This is his response to Randy asking if he can go on a ski trip with his girlfriend. I used to love that show when I was a kid, and it’s a line that we’ve tossed around in my family every Christmas since that episode aired, Lord knows how many years ago. I feel lucky because I like my family. I actually like them a whole lot. And I married into a pretty great family, too. Seriously. Jess and I feel so lucky to have such good relationships with multiple people in both of our families. It is hands-down our favorite part about living in Columbia–we’re right in the middle of everybody. The only downside to having all of this wonderful family is trying to see them all on Christmas. Christmas is, without a doubt, my most favorite holiday of all! I love baking cookies, decorating the tree, making shopping lists, sipping hot cocoa and apple cider, Christmas carols, Christmas movies, I’m a total sucker for all of that stuff. Most of all, I like that it makes everyone come together. It’s hard to wrangle everyone in one place unless you have a really good reason, and besides a funeral, Christmas is one of the few things that gets people in one place. Jess and I will be all over this year. We’re starting out with a pre-Christmas meal with Caroline, Steven, AnnMarie and mom at our house on the 21st. On Christmas Eve, Bob and Ellie are driving down from Easley, and Allyson, Matt, and Cole are coming over for dinner and festivities. Then we’re going to midnight mass with my dad and Mary Alice at Trinity, the Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Columbia. Christmas morning we’re getting up and hitting the road. Our first stop is my stepsister’s house in Lexington, SC, then we’re trucking up to Blue Ridge, GA to spend time with my mom, grandfather, and some extended family. I’m sure I’ll get stressed out at some point, but right now I’m just plain giddy. I really love this time of year, and while I’m looking forward to seeing everyone, I’m already sad that it’s all going to be over in 2 weeks. -Addison
