Gettin’ In The Mood

Monday night’s dinner WAS going to be a new recipe. When I got home neither of us were in the mood for cooking something new (or complicated) so it was lazy bean burritos for dinner.

It was the peak of laziness: cheese, black beans, olives, jalapenos, lettuce, tomatoes.

After dinner I decided to start decorating a bit for Yule.  I have a confession to make: I haven’t had a Christmas tree in over 8 years. The main reason? The kitties. I knew my little fur-monsters would eat/destroy/conquer/climb/vomit on said tree so I just didn’t bother.

Which makes me sad because I like holiday decorations! So I’m starting small.

When I moved in with Michael a year a half ago, I got rid of a LOT of clutter I’d been collecting over the years. Part of that clutter was holiday decor. I only have one small box of decorations now, so it will have to do.

Michael wasn’t too keen on the idea of decorating his bike. 😉

I happen to LOVE love love Christmas lights. I used to have some up inside my apartment year round because they were good mood lighting.

Fat Kitty was VERY excited about the Christmas Box. He sniffed, analyzed, pawed and poked everything. He especially liked the lights. I hope they are still hanging when I get home from work!

That little tinsel tree was my “Christmas Tree” for a few years. Lame, I know. I think this year I’m going to attempt a tree. I can’t just assume the cats will destroy it…I should see for myself.

I hung our stockings.

Portland is also getting in the mood…the trees downtown all have Christmas lights, there’s decorations and of course a bomber tried to blow up our tree. 🙁 Jerk.

Downtown Portland

I also picked up some cookie cutters and Christmas sprinkles! I am VERY excited about having my first cookie party in December!

Michael said he won’t decorate cookies with me (party pooper) so I’ll just have some girlfriends over for it. His loss! 🙁

I enjoy the holidays. The holidays mean good food, lots of friends and family and presents of course. I like giving gifts to people. I usually do most of my shopping months before December. Whenever I see something that a friend or family member would love, I buy it and stash it away.

My favorite family traditions might be a bit weird…Christmas Eve my brother and parents and I would watch the movie “The Ref.” Such a good Christmas movie. A bit off-color for many people, but perfect for our family.

Best quote ever: “You know what I’m going to get you next Christmas, Mom? A big wooden cross, so that every time you feel unappreciated for your sacrifices, you can climb on up and nail yourself to it.”

Of course, we’d also watch A Christmas Story, too (Thank you TBS for the uninterrupted loop).

And then on Christmas morning while we opened presents we’d watch another classic: Scrooged.

Bill Murray is amazing in any movie he’s in, but Scrooged is a Classic.

I’m trying to continue these traditions, plus start some new ones. For example, last Christmas Eve Michael and I had Shoe over for dinner and the three of us watched “Die Hard” (also a Christmas movie). 😉

QUESTION: What is your favorite Christmas/Yule/Hanukkah tradition? And what new tradition do you want to start?

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