break

It's been far too long...my apologies. Christmas Break has been exactly that...a break. A break from my normal routine life at school, a break from homework and studying, a break from waking up early. It's been so great to be home. To be able to sit around reading or working a puzzle with my mom. I haven't really done anything exciting yet, but that's okay with me. For once in my life, I don't know what each day holds, and I like that.

I went to stay in Oxford for a night with Natalie last week. I spent a night in Fulton with friends for our second annual Christmas party. Jay came for an extended weekend visit. We celebrated my dad's 50th birthday with a big party last night. And today I went ice skating with some friends. And I've tried to restart my running career. Hahaha, that's interesting to say the least. It's been a low-key and relaxing break so far.

I honestly can't believe Christmas is 3 days away, especially with this A+ weather we've been having. It makes the bitter cold of some other days a little more bearable. Hope everyone is having a safe and fun holiday!

xoxo, Maria

nutcracker

So I'm going to follow up my bitter Christmas post with one about something I have to admit I love about Christmas time....The Nutcracker Ballet. My childhood dance studio puts it on every year, and I went home this weekend just to see it. I was in it every year until my sophomore year when weekends during the fall couldn't handle all day Saturday cross country meets, Sunday Nutcracker practice, and homework. So for the past 5 years I've just been a dedicated watcher.

This year I couldn't help but laugh at so much of it. There are so many things I could take in that I never thought about or noticed when I was in it. One simply being the fact that I could step up there and do every single dance I've been in exactly. It's timeless, and the steps only have changed slightly. But it's so fun and beautiful all at the same time. I wouldn't trade my Nutcracker memories for anything...

• The time the tree caught on fire as it grew.
• The evolution of polychinelles from Raggedy Ann dolls, to gingerbread people, to clowns.
• Begging my "dad" in the party scene to carry me offstage as we left.
• Bribing Clara before the show to give me the nut when she got to do the Nutcracker.
• When Greeting wore those gosh-awful skin-tight, candy cane body suits.
• When all the snow poured out at once instead of the light trickle.
• Watching Angels go to the wrong tree every year and then mess it all up.
• Meredith slipping and falling on the "soapy" snow as she went offstage.
• The year I was a toy and one of us stood up and collapsed to the floor because her legs were asleep from sitting for so long. I think I laughed.
• Thinking Tony was the funniest person alive when he did the Mechanical Doll dance purposely wrong.
• Getting individually sized and fitted to be the first ever to wear the new Russian costumes...custom made for us.
• When the umbrellas for Chinese were still those superrrrr old yellowish, smelly ones.
• When Gumdrops still existed.
• Watching from the wings as the male professional danced...we were always so amazed.
• The fact that I was NEVER in the fight scene. Don't know how I got away with that.
• The old costumes that the mice had...they were legit mangey fur.
• The year my grade were the Claras. Let's just say a huge fight went down. Enough said.
• And lots and lots of yelling at every practice, but we still loved it.

It's a classic. 

xoxo, Maria

the explanation

So it has been quite a while, but now that it's December I thought I would let everyone in one a little secret. For those of you who know me well, you know that I don't like Christmas. Yes, I'm aware that most people almost fall over from a heart attack after they hear this, but I'm going to attempt to explain it.

It first starts with the fact that I despise winter and cold more than anything in the world. I would rather be sitting outside in the blazing Mississippi heat swimming in my sweat than be cold. It's just not fun. And there is only so much bundling I can do before it's ridiculous, so I'd just rather spend my time complaining. And with Christmas comes very cold weather.

I've always wondered why people need to get ready for Christmas so early. Is it necessary to put your tree up around Halloween just because, well heck, Christmas will be here in a few months. Just wait people. I promise the 25 days of December gives you plenty of time to decorate and enjoy it if that's what you want.

Also, the main reason I have a problem with Christmas is people never ever remember the REASON FOR THE SEASON. Simply put, in America we really only celebrate Commercialized Christmas, not Religious Christmas. It is so frustrating to me to hear all the talk about Christmas music, and trees, and presents, and food, and lights, and SANTA. Where is Jesus in all of this? Does no one remember that the purpose of CHRISTmas is celebrating His birth???

I realize some of you know that I never believed in Santa growing up (another huge shock, I know). I understand it is a fun tradition and neat for kids, but let's be real...he isn't real. And I promise you, I turned out just fine without believing. I want to tell my mom every year that I don't want any presents, but I can't bring myself to do it. I know she loves a good tradition, and we've always done it the same way, so I just accept it. I do feel blessed to have grown up in a family that wasn't extravagant about our spending and gifts at Christmas because it isn't necessary when we don't need new things.

You may want to call me Ebeneezer like Brittney does, and I'll take it, but all I'm asking is for the focus of Christmas to be turned around for once. I might be able to enjoy all the festivities that come with Christmastime if we could first celebrate the birth of our Savior. I find that my favorite parts of the season are those related to my church.

The Christmas Eve service is probably my single most favorite night of the whole year. There is just something magical about that night and the message it provides. Leaving in darkness and silence really sets the mood that I feel we should have leading up to Christmas...anticipation of what is to come and calm focus for His birth.

So I challenge you this Christmas season so not be bitter or sinister like I may seem to be, but to turn your focus around. Remember what this holiday is here for. Reflect on His special place in your life. And put Him FIRST. It's that simple.

Enjoy this time of year
xoxo, Maria