When we were in church on Sunday, the priest's homily focused on Advent and the holiday season, and how we shouldn't become too wrapped up in consumerism (yes, the present pun was intended). He was advising us to connect with the spiritual nature of Christmas as opposed to the material, but honestly, I'm just not the most spiritual person. Well, maybe that's not accurate. I'm not a very religious person. I may be Catholic but there are many aspects of the religion that I disagree with; many instances where the church sees things as either "black" or "white" when in reality there are various shades of gray. I'm not entirely sure what I believe in (I know that some may find it interesting that I believe in ghosts without ever having encountered one, but when the issue of God is raised, I'm more scientific and seeing is believing). However, regardless of the fact that I'm not incredibly religious, I find ways throughout the year to help people, to enhance their lives. I don't need Christmas to remind me to be a good person or to give of myself freely because for the most part, I live my life with the intention of making other people happy in the process.

That said, I sincerely love Christmas and all that it has to offer. So what if some of the things are tangible (ornaments, white lights, crisp outdoor air, "O Holy Night," cherry-flavored candy canes--I'm obviously not a purist--"Claymation Christmas" on TV). Maybe it's the comfort of childhood that can be found within those holiday traditions, or the knowledge that no matter how far away your family is, you know that you will be close to them during the holidays. There's an immeasurable number of factors that make the entire month of December one of my absolute favorites of the year. I don't think it's possible for me to stay grumpy...all someone has to do is put on an iTunes holiday mix and in five minutes I'm singing along at the top of my lungs, acting out Ella Fitzgerald's every movement "Off with my overcoat, off with my glooooves...I need no overcoat, I'm burning, burning looove!" If only every day could capture the anticipation of Christmas.

When I started this entry, my first thought (a selfish and greedy one, I might add) was to write about how I would love to go on a shopping spree this season. If you were born in the late 70s like I was, then you remember those Toys R Us commercials where the kids won a shopping spree and they had a certain amount of time to race through the store, and I don't think they even paid attention to what flew into their cart. It was a lot of random, rushed grabbing from shelves and tearing down the aisles. I remember Ryan and I would turn to each other, our eyes as big as saucers while watching the spree go down. Now, as a respectable adult (ahem), just for 10 minutes, I would love to have the opportunity to go on that kind of crazy and out-of-control shopping spree at...Ann Taylor Loft. Or Pottery Barn. Or J. Crew. You get the picture. Velvet blazers, cute heels, beautiful picture frames, cocktail dresses, a side table...everything I could ever want for the holiday season. Am I a Grinch? Probably. But just remember...I always give to the Salvation Army...I am here for my friends...I help when I'm needed. So to quote "A Charlie Brown Christmas," "All I want is what's coming to me. All I want...is my fair share." ;)

Happy early Christmas to you all...and to all a good night!