Christmas Countdown - 2018

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

Well, let me tell you about the merry day I've had so far ...
After clearing off both vehicles (more snow), I had to follow my husband to the auto body shop to drop his car off to get the right ball joint repaired/replaced - I remember doing the left side about the same time two years ago.

After I dropped him off at home, I continued on my special last day to the start of the season journey to our new-ish year round Christmas store called the Christmas Bowl which is attached to a flower shop owned by a local family for many years.

What a delightful shop; I couldn't snap photos today for the blossoms thread, but I trust the owner will permit it when the store isn't busy. They actually gave me a deal on our floral wedding pillars when my husband and I got married so we go back many years.

On the drive, I was listening to Christmas Holly on Sirius Radio - some songs I don't usually hear, but a blend of current and traditional took me to that magical place that we feel when we stop by MMC.

I picked up the last few items for the two ornament packages I'm sending off next weekend.

I ran other errands and I'm delighted with all the signs of Christmas.

I picked up a bottle of Southern Eggnog that I'm saving for the holidays.

When I was heading home, a song by Jimmy Buffett came over the speakers and it made me feel so lonesome for my mom whose parents lived on Christmas Island (not the same one - our island was in Nova Scotia). I got a lump in my throat and wondered if I still had enough resilience to make it through this Christmas season without her physical presence. I do because I know that all the thoughts of the things I'm missing mean that she was loved so dearly and deeply. I have learned to appreciate so many little things since she passed.



It's the kinship formed here that feels warm and snuggly; some of us half a world away from each other and still we come here to our Christmas home away from home and feel the richness and worth of the good friends and chosen family we have unwrapped over the years.

I will always remain grateful for the small Christmas pleasures and treasures found right here at our merry forums.

Stay Jolly!

 

[MerryCarey]

Well, let me tell you about the merry day I've had so far ...
After clearing off both vehicles (more snow), I had to follow my husband to the auto body shop to drop his car off to get the right ball joint repaired/replaced - I remember doing the left side about the same time two years ago.

After I dropped him off at home, I continued on my special last day to the start of the season journey to our new-ish year round Christmas store called the Christmas Bowl which is attached to a flower shop owned by a local family for many years.

What a delightful shop; I couldn't snap photos today for the blossoms thread, but I trust the owner will permit it when the store isn't busy. They actually gave me a deal on our floral wedding pillars when my husband and I got married so we go back many years.

On the drive, I was listening to Christmas Holly on Sirius Radio - some songs I don't usually hear, but a blend of current and traditional took me to that magical place that we feel when we stop by MMC.

I picked up the last few items for the two ornament packages I'm sending off next weekend.

I ran other errands and I'm delighted with all the signs of Christmas.

I picked up a bottle of Southern Eggnog that I'm saving for the holidays.

When I was heading home, a song by Jimmy Buffett came over the speakers and it made me feel so lonesome for my mom whose parents lived on Christmas Island (not the same one - our island was in Nova Scotia). I got a lump in my throat and wondered if I still had enough resilience to make it through this Christmas season without her physical presence. I do because I know that all the thoughts of the things I'm missing mean that she was loved so dearly and deeply. I have learned to appreciate so many little things since she passed.



It's the kinship formed here that feels warm and snuggly; some of us half a world away from each other and still we come here to our Christmas home away from home and feel the richness and worth of the good friends and chosen family we have unwrapped over the years.

I will always remain grateful for the small Christmas pleasures and treasures found right here at our merry forums.

Stay Jolly!

Hugs for you, Auntie ... I know it's hard right now. But Christmas probably has a few happy surprises up its sleeve for you.

 

[MerryCarey]

I'm still amazed that the season begins at midnight, and Thanksgiving is next week. I kinda get two Thanksgivings, because our office is having its Thanksgiving next Tuesday. The office provides turkey and gravy and stuffing, and the employees bring side dishes and desserts and all sorts of good things to eat. (Gosh, I gotta bake some cookies for that ... thinking of orange-cranberry cookies.)

Time is rolling on too fast, and there's too little time compared with so much still to be done for the holidays. I'm just hoping I can get things done and get some sofa time with my favorite Christmas movies.

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

Hugs for you, Auntie ... I know it's hard right now. But Christmas probably has a few happy surprises up its sleeve for you.

Perhaps this year I'll find that Slinky-Pull-Dog Santa wasn't able to deliver.

 

[Yuletide Junkie]

Closing in on 12 hours until the Season begins!

"Antici..............pation."

 

[Yuletide Junkie]

I'm still amazed that the season begins at midnight, and Thanksgiving is next week. I kinda get two Thanksgivings, because our office is having its Thanksgiving next Tuesday. The office provides turkey and gravy and stuffing, and the employees bring side dishes and desserts and all sorts of good things to eat. (Gosh, I gotta bake some cookies for that ... thinking of orange-cranberry cookies.)

Time is rolling on too fast, and there's too little time compared with so much still to be done for the holidays. I'm just hoping I can get things done and get some sofa time with my favorite Christmas movies.

Our office Thanksgiving is this Thursday. That way, we're pretty sure, no one gets left out just because they take off for bonus time with the family.

 

[Yuletide Junkie]

The house is vacuumed and the gutters are relatively cleaned out. We are ready to decorate the inside of the house, this weekend. Merry Christmas Season, All!

 

[ballcoach]

Special Post of the countdown to the Christmas Season

As the days of the calendar fall away, we approach that most wonderful time of the year. Aisles once filled with Halloween candy, pumpkins and costumes have given way to Christmas Candy, trees and bows. Thoughts of carving pumpkins and trick or treating are now thoughts of carving a turkey and decorating a Christmas tree.

Minta, the smile your post brought to my face as it read it had to be ear to ear. It literally warmed my heart.

Thank you, friend.

 

[MerryCarey]

Perhaps this year I'll find that Slinky-Pull-Dog Santa wasn't able to deliver.

He's looking for you!

 

[ballcoach]

Wow...our trip back to the Season ends in hours....

Hasn't it been a wonderful ride?

 

[Edge612]

Good Morning, Folks.
Almost there.
And I REALLY do mean almost there!

Our count info tells the exciting tale:
Days to the Season: 1 (TOMORROW!!)
Days to Thanksgiving: 10 (SINGLE DIGITS from tomorrow!)
Days to Christmas Day: 43 (SIX weeks from tomorrow!)
And Folks, this evening is the one we wait all year for, as we count down together in real time to the beginning of Christmas Season 2018 precisely at 12:00 midnight tonight, eastern standard time.

One final special post today:
Today (Day 1 before the Season) = Minta (proudly posted above)
And our THANKS! to all five of our Special Posters, Made582, Binger, Sugar142286, Ballcoach and Minta for their wonderful, thoughtful and so seasonal messages this year. We have such talented and holiday-dedicated folks here at MMC!

The weather has become "Christmas seasonal" with noticeably cooler highs and rather cold overnight lows.
This last morning before the Season, has commenced here in the capital city at 43 degrees and we will only reach the low 50's for the high with a near 100 percent chance of rain.

But regardless, nothing will dampen our spirits this evening as we complete our Season count in style and with as many of our dear members here as we can gather.
So until we see you then, have a Marvelous Monday, Everybody!

Thanks Crown! Happy Season Eve!

 

[Minta]

Great post, Minta!

How wonderful, Minta! You've given me a perfect image of the Christmas I love, thank you!

Real fine post to round out the series, Minta! Thanks so much.

Minta, I loved this special post. It read like a beautiful poem, just lovely.

Great post, Minta!!

I couldn't have said it better myself. May laughter and love fill the merry air you breathe.

LOVE this Minta, thank you!
xx

Minta, the smile your post brought to my face as it read it had to be ear to ear. It literally warmed my heart.

Thank you, friend.

Thank you ... glad everyone enjoyed the post. Its this place, you guys and the love for Christmas that makes posts like this and all the other posts possible and have a huge impact on us all.

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

He's looking for you!
View attachment 51865

That's the one (right down to the door stopper-spring-tail) Santa couldn't deliver because I wished it on an evening star instead of writing it down.

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

I forgot to tell y'all about the dinner I ate in the dark - absolute dark - no light; for a somewhat germophobe like me that was far beyond my comfort zone; thank goodness I trusted the other 10 people I was with and they trusted me and the other company 'cause it would have been a hardship otherwise.
http://www.onoirtoronto.com/
Wow - when I wasn't talking, I was listening and smelling things around me so naturally I gave myself a Christmas song to hum.
And then I laughed to myself when all of a sudden I was singing, "I can sing clearly now ..." I had some dark humour company so it was taken in fun, not disrespect.
Amazing to be seated and served by a blind waiter who navigated and served 72 dinner guests.

 

[MerryCarey]

I forgot to tell y'all about the dinner I ate in the dark - absolute dark - no light; for a somewhat germophobe like me that was far beyond my comfort zone; thank goodness I trusted the other 10 people I was with and they trusted me and the other company 'cause it would have been a hardship otherwise.
http://www.onoirtoronto.com/
Wow - when I wasn't talking, I was listening and smelling things around me so naturally I gave myself a Christmas song to hum.
And then I laughed to myself when all of a sudden I was singing, "I can sing clearly now ..." I had some dark humour company so it was taken in fun, not disrespect.
Amazing to be seated and served by a blind waiter who navigated and served 72 dinner guests.

Fascinating! I've heard of those restaurants, but never experienced one.

 

[Bradmac]

I forgot to tell y'all about the dinner I ate in the dark - absolute dark - no light; for a somewhat germophobe like me that was far beyond my comfort zone; thank goodness I trusted the other 10 people I was with and they trusted me and the other company 'cause it would have been a hardship otherwise.
http://www.onoirtoronto.com/
Wow - when I wasn't talking, I was listening and smelling things around me so naturally I gave myself a Christmas song to hum.
And then I laughed to myself when all of a sudden I was singing, "I can sing clearly now ..." I had some dark humour company so it was taken in fun, not disrespect.
Amazing to be seated and served by a blind waiter who navigated and served 72 dinner guests.

Now THAT is new to me. I assume there's no need for a knife; all finger foods? I can't even keep all my food on my plate with bright lights and a full utensil arsenal, so in the dark it would have to be fingers and elbows for me.

 

['Tis the season]

Closing in on 12 hours until the Season begins!

Well I've been away for weeks due to my work being hectic, but in the words of Ebenezer Scrooge, I haven't missed it! Happy season everyone!!! Back just in time.

 

[nmc42088]

Beautiful post!! What a great way to celebrate/remember those who we have lost at such a special time of the year. This hits home as I'm not sure mom will be with us at Christmas - or even Thanksgiving! But if something does happen, I don't want to let it spoil my love of the holidays!! She has lived a good long life & her life isn't easy anymore. We need to continue the traditions!

So sorry holiday! Continued prayers for you and mom!

Hope you all get some time for relaxing & enjoying the holiday season!!!

Thank you!

 

['Tis the season]

Beautiful post!! What a great way to celebrate/remember those who we have lost at such a special time of the year. This hits home as I'm not sure mom will be with us at Christmas - or even Thanksgiving! But if something does happen, I don't want to let it spoil my love of the holidays!! She has lived a good long life & her life isn't easy anymore. We need to continue the traditions!

Sorry to read what a tough time you and yours are going through Holiday. Thoughts are with you.

 

[xmastidings]

Good evening friends. Been a super busy day for me, I’ve been outside all day stacking firewood in that cold crisp air and even though I am tired right now, I really enjoyed what I was doing. I’ve got 2-1/2 cords now stacked and covered and I feel wonderful that it’s done and I’m all ready for this coming winter!

Since it’s coming up on winter now, we went out and bought a bird feeder for the little tweety birds. When it’s snow covered outside, I’ll go out and give them some food so that they have some fuel in little bellies to help keep them warm and happy.

I got the fuel oil tank filled up. Ouch! That one hurt! Filled it up and it cost me 600.00 bucks. Almost pulled a Fred Sanford; grabbed my chest, staggered backwards and said “it’s the big one!”

So let’s see firewood, fuel oil, propane tanks filled (for the grill just in case) and gas cans filled (for the generator and tractor). I’m getting there, gotta stock up a few more things for the pantry and I think we’re ready for any Nor’easter that may try to dump on us.