A Christmas Themed Weekend

"If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspicion... love actually is all around." ~Love Actually

This weekend I decided to do some of my favorite Christmas-related activities.  Next weekend I'll be out of town being a groomsma'am in BFF's wedding and the weekend after that I'm hoping to be at my parents' for Christmas, so this was pretty much my last chance.  I took full advantage.

I watched two of my favorite holiday movies:  Elf and Love Actually.  I know those are on pretty opposite ends of the spectrum, but if they don't put you in the Christmas spirit, nothing will.  And the guy with the signs....melt my heart.  Where do I get one of those stalker/secret admirer types to show up at my door?

I broke my diet for hot chocolate and lots of marshmallows and some of the amazing Christmas present of Oatmeal Squares, pecans and caramel sent to me by ND Friend's Sister (who somehow managed to get this made and in the mail all while taking care of two little boys and giving birth to a third on Saturday--she's a rock star!).  Back on the diet and running plan manana.

I got my Christmas tree all set up and decorated.

I made/wrapped TONS of gifts. We used to make fun of my mom for going Christmas overboard every year....that may have been genetic.

That doesn't even include the ones I'm mailing. The post office is going to hate me.

I did my "angel tree" shopping..  This year I did two different trees, one from church for various charities and shelters and the one I do every year at Wal-Mart for people in nursing homes.   It was really great this year when I happened to be shopping at the same tim as about 200 cops were there shopping with needy kids.  Each cop had a kid and a cart full of coats and shoes and toys and bicycles...you name it.  It was awesome.  Reminds me of what's right with the world.

Also reminds me why I should never think that just because it's 8:30 on a Sunday I should not go to the store with no make up and my hair in a ratty ponytail.  Because guess who got interviewed by the local tv station about buying gifts for charities over the holidays?  This girl.  It was NOT pretty.


Edited for language....Bible Belt Moms read this blog! :)
 

I checked an item off of my 30 for 30 list when I sent an anonymous gift card to a family that really needs it.  When I met them earlier this year, they really touched my heart and I know that something like this will really make their holidays.  I love that God has blessed me with the ability to do things like this!

And I came up with a couple of last-minute additions to my Christmas list. 

1.  Check out this idea.  You just take any ticket stub---airplane, concert, movie, train, whatever---to Kinkos where they will blow it up and print it on a pillow.  LOVE it!  I wish I had done this for all of my trips and I'd have a cool set of souvineers!

2.  These necklaces.  Mine would be Oklahoma, of course, with a big ol' heart where Stillwater sits.