Christmas in November

I was the person who rolled her eyes at people who skipped right over Thanksgiving and put up Christmas decor. Growing up we bought freshly cut trees on Christmas Eve, due to the drop in prices, and spent the day or evening setting it up. We waited until mid to late December to do our gift shopping and put all the presents under the tree just before opening them the next day. There were years we didn't wait quite as long as Christmas Eve, but close enough right?

So this year is my first with my own home and a little bit of cash. Not much mind you. Enough though to buy a large, sadly fake due to my husband's family traditions, tree and host Christmas. Not only do I have the privilege of hosting for my in-laws but my family is coming too. Oh yes, I'm thrilled! I wanted a holiday and my mother-in-law graciously let go of Christmas, not all the cooking of course. :) This is perfect because Christmas is when my side really tries to reassemble ourselves and spend a long weekend or if we're lucky a week together. My family hasn't been together since May 2008, so we're all very excited!!!

All of this to say, November 1, 2009 my small Christmas tree and very few decorations were brought out. Oh yes, and my Halloween pumpkin was still on the porch at that point. Someone drove by and later told me they thought it was funny. We have a nice window in the front that displays the little tree perfectly to see when driving down the street. I would probably laugh if I saw that at other house too.

Slightly ridiculous? Yes. But to me it's not the decorations that I'm excited for. It's that I'm settled into a community with my husband and Kyle's coming from California, Bryan from New York, and my parents and Evan from Wisconsin. I miss my family so much and though the distance has helped me grow, I'm ready to be close to them again. It's remarkable how we've stayed in touch so well. I can't wait to show off my home, my puppy, and just spend time with my favorite people in the world who know me better than anyone else.

So this November I officially became crazed and slightly obsessed with Christmas. I can now roll my eyes at myself.