Lindsey Rae Writes The Day: What a weird Christmas this has been
<p class="p1">This has been a very weird Christmas for me. </p><p class="p1">It's my first one not being home around Christmas time. I feel farther away from home, living 20 minutes away, than I did when I went to college two and a half hours away. </p><p class="p1">I have never been a scrooge in my life. I always got my Christmas shopping done early, had them wrapped and under the tree and have eaten dozens of Christmas cookies by this time. </p><p class="p1">This year is just a weird Christmas. </p><p class="p1">I didn't put decorations up because I was afraid the kits (my gray bobtail twin kittens) would destroy them. I don't have an outside outlet for lights. The only thing that hints at Christmas in my home is a beautiful wreath I bought right after Thanksgiving.</p><p class="p1">Part of me feels selfish. </p><p class="p1">There are thousands, maybe even millions of people that won't get as much, if any, presents, have their belly full of delicious food or have a family to spend this holiday season with.</p><p class="p1">I have all of that times five. </p><p class="p1">As the time between now and Santa's arrival gets shorter, I am getting more excited.</p><p class="p1">I guess the lack of anticipation is part of growing up.</p><p class="p1">This is the first time in my entire life I don't have a vacation from school. I'm thinking about everything that needs to get done before and after Christmas, but I haven't focused on what I have to look forward to. </p><p class="p1">My momma's excellent gift giving skills, my aunt's delicious pumpkin roll, seeing my family's faces open up the present's I put a little extra effort into and being surrounded by people who have loved and supported me through all my endeavours. </p><p class="p1">I am fortunate that my family gets together more than once a year, but Christmas time is always special and different. </p><p class="p1">So this holiday season, some of you may feel overwhelmed, not in the spirit or feel like you shouldn't celebrate just because plans aren't going exactly how you would want them to.</p><p class="p1">If you start to focus on what's to come and the parts that excites you, I think you begin to feel the holiday spirit sooner than you think. </p><p class="p1">I hope everyone enjoys the holiday you are celebrating this week.</p><p class="p1">From me personally, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.</p>