Everyday Christmas

For we need a little Christmas, right this very minute...

I am in the Christmas spirit, imaginary friends.  I've put my Christmas decorations up (except the tree because Bean and Chris drew a line at the tree being up this early).  I'm listening to Christmas music.  I'm watching Christmas movies.  I'm almost done Christmas shopping.  You can't tell me nothing about waiting for Christmas this year. 

I AM READY, SANTA!

This past weekend, I went grocery shopping at Target all by myself instead of placing my online order like I do every week at Walmart.  And do you know what happened?  I bought $150 in Christmas decorations and $0 in food items.  I had to do a grocery pick up order the next day because I failed so miserably.  But I didn't even care.  I am loving Christmas this year.

Our Christmas decorations in my house can best be described as "eclectic" and at worst as "your grandmother's attic." We have stuff from both mine and Chris's childhoods.  I have a nativity collection that is extensive.  Our Christmas tree is a healthy mixture of ornaments from vacations and handmade popsicle stick reindeer from years of kids holiday crafts.  My Christmas village is basically life-sized and takes over my entire entry way.  And there is not one single thread of consistency through it all. 

I have tried over the years to purge or to just not use some items so that we can switch things up or try to appear to have a cohesive theme, but my kids threaten to move out if I don't put up every single piece of Christmas. 

"THE STACK OF 500 CHRISTMAS BOOKS FROM 2009 THAT LOOK LIKE THEY'VE BEEN SET ON FIRE FOR SOME REASON?!  HAVE YOU GONE SENILE, MOM?!  HOW COULD YOU EVEN CONSIDER NOT PUTTING OUT EVERY CHRISTMAS BOOK WE'VE EVER TOUCHED IN OUR LIVES?!"

Or

"THE GIANT STUFFED MICKEY AND MINNIE DRESSED IN SANTA COSTUMES THAT DANCE AND PLAY MUSIC AT RANDOM TIMES WHENEVER THEY FEEL LIKE IT BUT ABSOLUTELY NEVER WORK WHEN YOU PUSH THE ACTUAL BUTTONS?!  THOSE WERE FROM DAD'S HOUSE GROWING UP! HAVE YOU NO SOUL, MOM?!" 

So, every single item comes out of my 47,914 Christmas storage bins and is put on display for the months of November and December so that all is right in the world for my emotionally delicate children.

No, I don't need any more Christmas decor, thankyouverymuch.  We are full at Casa de Browns.  But I have found a true NEED for new Christmas decor, you guys.  This year, I am buying only practical, useful holiday decor.  Let me give you some examples:

I use drink sleeves on my cups every day of my working life.  They cost $10 for a three-pack.  How could I NOT have a Christmas set?!  In fact, why don't I have these for every holiday?!  I ordered these this weekend and can't wait for them to arrive.

Also, Christmas sheets!  I've never been this gung ho on Christmas that I thought I could be a "change the bedding" decorator.  BUT WHY NOT?!  We use sheets every day!  Why not use Christmas sheets for two months?!  I haven't gotten these yet, but I'm thinking a trip to Home Goods might be the best next step.

I bought the entire line of Mrs. Meyers Peppermint scented products.  Hand soap, dish soap, spray cleaner, and a candle.  Why not enjoy a little seasonal scent while I'm cleaning around my house for the next two months?  Goodness knows we will certainly be cleaning a lot throughout the holiday season.  Let's make it smell festive, too!  I did the same thing with the air freshener sprays I keep in the bathrooms.  Why not change out the "fresh linens" scent for a more winter one like "Cranberry Christmas?!"

Also, in my #girlmath head, these aren't even holiday expenses.  These are just household goods that I needed anyway, so, like, I'm being FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE, you guys.