December Fun

I know December is always crazy busy, but I’m trying to make sure there’s also plenty of fun- because that’s what holidays are all about, right?  To begin with, what could be more fun than receiving a MYSTERIOUS PACKAGE in the mail??? As soon as I saw that it was from Zenaida, I realized that she was my Secret Santa- AND, I had a pretty good idea what the mug was… I was right!  Zenaida shared it on her blog about a month ago, saying that she saw this beautiful mug and regretted not buying it.  At the time I thought, “I hope I’m Zenaida’s Secret Santa, so I can get her that mug.”  How funny is it that she ended up sending it to ME? This is my second year participating in San’s Secret Santa mug swap, and both times my husband has been jealous of the amazing mugs I’ve received.  But, good news!  Zenaida also sent me a box of “tea drops,” which has an assortment of flavors, so I can share with my husband.  And the final gift in this package is this ornament. which has a prominent place on our tree: THANK YOU ZENAIDA!  And thank you once again to San for organizing this event.  #SecretSantaMugSwap2022 Next order of business- I’m very proud (and relieved) to say that I got the outdoor lights up on Sunday!  This is a job I do entirely by myself.  My husband just doesn’t care about outdoor decorations that much, and if it were up to him we probably wouldn’t have any.  So, if I want lights it’s up to me. I’m not going to complain about the heat because I’m pretty sure it’s getting annoying.  I’ll just mention that it was 82 and humid on Sunday afternoon, and I had done a hot 12 mile trail run in the morning.  The last thing I felt like doing was getting back outside and putting up lights… BUT I DID IT! I like to call my decorating style “old school.”  I don’t have anything that moves, inflates, or projects images.  Lights around the top of the house, in the bushes, and on the palm trees is the extent of my abilities.  But now that they’re up, they look festive and cheerful!  I’m glad I got it done. Next!  The other day I was shopping and saw THIS SHIRT: I’ve decided we should all identify our “Christmas character soulmates.”  It’s not that I WANT the Heat Miser to be my soulmate, but I think he is.  Let’s take a look… Yep- bright red face, the hair… there’s a distinct resemblance.  I did buy the shirt, but haven’t worn it yet.  I will soon though.  (Wait- you DO know the Heat Miser, right?  If not, you must watch The Year Without a Santa Clause immediately!) Well, that’s enough fun for now. Do you like Secret Santa gift exchanges? – I love them! Who’s your Christmas character soulmate?