the christmas rush

I just want to say that we haven't gotten a good snow yet and I'm starting to freak out. If I don't get my white Christmas, so help me God...hehe ;)

I can't believe Christmas is tomorrow! My brother, Conner, started college in Florida last year, and it doesn't truly feel like Christmas until he gets home, since we usually save all the festivities for him. We're always packing in the tradition until the last minute. 

I think we tend to get lost in the to do lists that the season brings; cooking, wrapping, decorating, shopping. Even things like watching festive movies become rote. I'm the kind of person that wants to maximize the "fun" but it always ends up being at the expense of the true virtues of the season. I have to watch myself and make sure that I savor each moment instead of rushing through Advent.

We picked up Conner from the airport (after a six hour delay) on Friday, which was mom's last day of school until the new year. Saturday was a girl's shopping day, and coincidentally, the busiest shopping day of the year. I had a ton of shopping to do since I decided to make all of my gifts this year, and I hadn't purchased any supplies yet. We also watched the Patrick Stewart version of A Christmas Carol and decorated the little gingerbread village. Conner decorated his to be like the Tardis :) Sunday was the guy shopping day, and the girls started on the Christmas cookies and cleaning, since we're hosting Christmas dinner this year. I finished making three of the five gifts I had planned. Crafting is really tiring!

Monday we went with my grandma to visit my grandfather's headstone at the cemetery. This is one of my favorite traditions because it reminds me that in the end, all the food, gifts and decorations can't come with you. It puts everything in perspective and reminds me of the true meaning of Christmas. Then grandma took mom out to lunch so that I could snap a few pictures of me and the siblings. I'm going to frame the picture and give it to mom and dad (and give one to grandma as a thank you, but shh, it's a surprise!!) I finished all my gifts, and wrapped them too. Conner and I went to a friend's house for a little Christmas party. I'm excited to see people, since I've been out of school since December 12th.

There is still a lot to do,but I'm making sure that I cherish the little things, especially my time with Conner. He goes back in a few weeks so I want to make sure I spend every moment possible with him. I'm sure he'd be pleased to hear that :P

xoxo,

some sunday thoughts

For more pictures, pop on over to my Instagram

• Last night was my last Advent concert as a student at St. Augustine's. It's crazy to think that I will never again get to stand up in the front of the church with my high school friends and sing a bunch of crazy latin Christmas songs, but it's also kind of sweet since my friends and I get to move on to greater adventures. 

•I am in love with my new Christmas socks. Nuff said. 

•I have recently discovered the wonders of adoration...I've been wanting to pick up an hour for a few months now, but the only times available are in the early mornings during the school week. I tagged along with my dad Friday night and it was so peaceful...I definitely recommend.

•Smiley face pancakes can make even the worst Monday morning a bit better.

•My favorite song recently is My Girl by The Temptations. My dad grew up in the Motown era, so naturally I grew up listening to these guys. You can watch them sing and dance here. It's an oldie but goodie :)

•So I went a little hog wild at Target yesterday. Four sweaters, a matching hat and mittens set, five pairs of socks,  and a little black kimono thing later...

•As of Friday, I am officially on Christmas break! I can't believe that senior year is half over; Time flies when you're having fun I guess. Just thinking about graduation is stressful, crazy, exciting and scary all at the same time. 

•I'm leaving for Pennsylvania on Tuesday to visit my grandparents. They live in the woods and eat lots of chicken pot pies and watch Jeopardy, so it should be good clean fun :) 

•I was reunited with an old friend last night, and it was wonderful. 

•I've decided to make all of my Christmas gifts this year...time to put all those Pintrest tutorials to good use!

•Disney channel is playing the Christmas episodes of all their old shows. I'm in heaven. 

Have a good rest of your Sunday!

xoxo,