Thursday, November 30, 2006

Skipping Christmas???

Each year as Christmas approaches I hear grumbles from family and friends about the upcoming season. This year I have even noticed some of those grumbles appearing in blogland and it isn't even December yet.

I just don't understand!!

Christmas is a magical time for me. As December approaches, my excitement grows. What baking will I do? How will I decorate?? What gifts can I make this year???

Being in a new house makes it even more fun because it will all be new...old traditions and ornaments but shown in another way.

This anti-Christmas feeling makes me think about a Christmas movie I enjoy.

Christmas with the Kranks is a lighthearted movie staring Jamie Lee Curtis and Tim Allen. Throughout the movie the two main characters deal with the fall-out of their decision to just forget Christmas. The hussle, the insane buying, the activities...everything (except charity which Jamie's character insisits on). The reason for ignoring this holiday is their only child is gone for the holiday but that changes on Christmas eve when she calls to say she is coming home. Then insanity really does arise as they try to create the holiday season in less than 8 hours.

These two actors add humor and high-jynx throughout the show and in the end you have your mushey ending with Tim Allen's character understanding one of the main purposes of Christmas...thinking about others.

I could watch this movie over and over and often do...LOL
It also gets me in the mood for the season.

This year I decided to read the book this movie was made after. Now I will admit I often read books after seeing movies. I always expect more from the book.

Skipping Christmas by John Grisham didn't really offer me more. I must admit I didn't expect a heart-tugging book from this author and it was a nice read and great for the holiday season. However, I found the movie went into details more and with the added humor of these two actors the story flowed better. Maybe this is the rare case where the book should be read first.

Christmas is a busy time and often we get caught up in the unimportant points.
But could I ever skip Christmas....never!! Christmas is a time of warmth, humor, tradition and sappiness that I look forward to being involved with each year. It is a time when people remember the importance of being human....helping others and spending time with those you love.

Hopefully one day we will be able to expand that warming feeling to stay with us year round.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

That was a cute movie! My parents listened to the book on tape one year and then bought the DVD when it came out. We borrowed it and laughed and laughed!

Can you believe we are 3 weeks away from Christmas?

Your secret Pal

Anonymous said...

Hi Jamie - I haven't seem that movie, but anyone who likes Christmas is a friend of mine!

Oh, and by the way, I put a package in the mail to you today ...

:-)

Belinda said...

Hi Jamie,

Thanks for stopping by my blog. The tu-tu's are really easy. Here's how...(my measurements are in cms and metres FYI 1yd = 92cms)
measure from the waist or hips to the knees or calves. Depending how long you want it. (Abbey was 35cms and she is 3) Double this (70cm) and multiply by 5 (3.5m). Go and buy this much tulle along with some ribbon (2m) Then cut 70cm lengths (or what ever was double your desired length). You will then have 5 pieces by 70cm. Then cut into strips 10-15cm wide, would recommend 10cm widths if you tulle is stiffer. You will then have pieces which are 10-15cms wide and 70 cms long.
Tie the ribbon around a chair back.

Then fold your piece of tulle in half lengthwise

put the loop side up behind the ribbon on the chair

thread the tail end through the loop (kind of like a slip knot)

pull through so the knot is very tight

slid along the ribbon

make sure you push the piece up firm against the other pieces

Keep going till you use it all up or you get to the amount that you need

Then your done, I hope it all makes sense. drop me an email if you get stuck. Let me know if you make one I would love to see it

Anonymous said...

I think I found the person who left a very enticing comment on Cindy's blog about a white chocolate raspberry cookie but no recipe! That was foul play! If you get this and would share the recipe on your blog or Cindy's I would be grateful.

Becky said...

Thanks for the wonderful package, Jamie! I posted the ornaments in their new spot on my blog. I really appreciate that care you took in putting things together. The stitch markers are fab! Everything is just wonderful!