The joy of Christmas?

Greetings, friends! Merry Christmas to you all. I’m a bit behind with Christmas preparations but I didn’t want the season to go by without sharing our news and letting you know I’m thinking of (running away) you. 2015 has been good to our little family. Both boys are doing very well and are enjoying our nest egg their university experience. We are tickled that they are happy because it’s very expensive but you know what? We have simply declared (bankruptcy) that some sacrifices are worth the fine education they are receiving. Bless them.

By the way, they are at the top (of the stairs shouting, “When’s supper?”) their classes. We are so broke proud, I could weep. We have been very busy getting ready for the Big Day. Sorry to brag but our Christmas tree is absolutely gorgeous this year! Everyone rolled (their) eyes into the living room last night when (I asked) for help decorating it. What a scene it was: Silent Night playing in the background, everyone sipping hot chocolate, and interacting with (their) iPhones each other while I dug through (the card)board box filled with our (tacky) treasured ornaments.

After the magical tree-decorating session, I conquered another tradition: Making meat pies. It’s a (death sentence) pleasure and no trouble at all. After hours of chopping onions and seasoning the beef and pork to perfection, the aroma as it simmered was enough to make me wish Christmas would come twice a year! The pastry was a bugger this year though. It kept sticking to the counter and I swore (like a trucker) I would buy my crusts in the supermarket next year!

In addition to decorating and cooking, I also (loathe) adore the shopping malls at Christmas. I just can’t get enough of the (suffocating) bustling crowds, the (screaming) darling children waiting to sit on Santa’s knee and the smell of (my credit going up in flames) cinnamon and pine wreaths. It’s heaven! I feel so fortunate that I can spend (my retirement fund) spare time at the shops making my family’s wishes come true. Blessed!! Part of the fun is the challenge of figuring out what they want for Christmas. When they say, “Dunno” I’m never sure if that means new clothes or gadgets but I’m not one to give up! No sir. If it means (I go ballistic) breathe my last breath in a two-hour line-up to buy what I think is the perfect gift, so be it. Just call me (passive aggressive) the Dream Maker!

Wrapping the gifts is by far my favourite tradition! It’s my special time to be alone with my (Sauvignon Blanc) thoughts and memories of Christmases gone by. I gather all the gifts into a pile and (second-guess) congratulate myself on each purchase. Then I try to imagine the looks on everyone’s faces when (the credit card bill) Christmas morning arrives. Excited to begin, I grab the scissors and carefully slice (through my wrists) the delicate paper to ensure straight lines I try to be quiet so as not to ruin the boys’ surprises (TV-watching). However, it seems the harder (I drink) try, the louder I get. Go figure! I hope, dear friends, that you enjoy quiet, reflective traditions like this in your home.

I could write forever but I still have to shop for a fresh, organic, vegan, sustainable turkey for our big dinner that I simply cannot wait to prepare! The blessings are endless. I dearly hope you (survive) cherish this wondrous time of year. Remember to always (count to ten before taking hostages) your blessings! Merry Christmas from the Landrys!

Colleen Landry blogs at

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