I'm getting the fever

Liz & I both ordered these monogrammed stockings from Pottery Barn last week & mine arrived in the mail:

I know Thanksgiving's not even here yet, but I am getting excited for Christmas. Here are the reasons why I am excited to prepare for Christmas:

• decorating--it's like breathing for me. Especially when everything is happy, shiny and smells good (the tree & candles)
• listening to Christmas music. I know every artist in the world has their own Christmas album, but I never, ever get sick of listening to the music. Growing up my parents amassed a collection of probably 50 Christmas CDs. Part of our tradition of decorating & baking cookies was pulling out those CDs. Some of my favorites include:

1. Nat King Cole
2. John Denver "Christmas Like a Lullaby"
3. Amy Grant
4. Mariah Carey
5. Manheim Steamroller
6. Anything sold @ Hallmark

• Making Christmas cookies. Last year I had 2 major baking sessions (the first time at my own house!) and our book club did a cookie swap. Yes, there is a reason why we make those rediculously messy & nitpicky cookies, like the mini mint cookies & the chocolate-dipped pretzels. Because they are Heaven on Earth and are the reason from Halloween until New Year's that I cannot give up refined sugar. Really, I was on a roll and then last week it all went to hell in a handbasket.
• Watching friends & family open gifts. I know the holidays aren't supposed to be about presents, but I love making/finding a gift that is perfect for that particular person. Plus, people need to spoil themselves, & often it's easier for others to do it for them. Unfortuntately for any relative under the age of 10, that perfect gift must have a binding & contain words.
  

That being said, I know my desire to shop in a commercial sphere has dwindled. Corey, his mom & I went to the mall yesterday and it was CHAOS. Those people make me crazy. So, as I prepare for the upcoming holidays, I'll try to focus on what's positive & not the normal hustle & bustle that people often stress about.