So This is Christmas

"So this is Christmas. And what have you done? Another year over, and a new one just begun"

This song always makes me think about how the year really is over and the next one is starting. I try not to let it get to me, but it always does. I feel like this past year has just been one long pause, and in this coming year life will resume. Sure there have been exciting and joyous moments, but we really have spent most of this year waiting. Waiting on information. Waiting on graduation. Waiting on orders. Waiting to plan our life.

Christmas is a little different this year. It's not as jolly or special or pretty or . . . Christmasy. The biggest thing on our minds this year is moving (countdown alert: 2 weeks!!!), and it definitely detracts from the joy of the season. With all the commotion and confusion I knew would surround us right now, I chose not to decorate this year. Can you hear my heart breaking? Ugh. 

Next year I will decorate the mess out of some Christmas. Hubby doesn't know what he's in for.

We also won't be with my family this Christmas, but will see them on January 4 on our way to Abq. No, it's not along the way, but it's what we're doing. I so wish we had time to see all the places I love while we're down there, but it just won't happen in one night. Places like these:

Bellingrath Gardens. I took this two years ago.

I grew up going here. (Not my photo).

Us on D. I. two years ago. Isn't he handsome?

I kind of grew up with this fountain in Fairhope, too. This picture is from the same trip.

Downtown Mobile. Took this when we were getting our marriage license.

The Fairhope Inn and Restaurant. We got married here. <3 (Not my photo).

So now, a mere four days before Christmas, I'm simply looking ahead to the next Christmas. We'll have our first tree in our own home (hopefully in a place I'd be proud to call home). We'll fill our new home with new friends as often as we can. We won't be waiting. 

And I am stinkin' excited about that.