My Christmas Makeover

OK, it’s official.  I’m FINALLY in the holiday spirit.  Woo-hoo.  Last night I went to sleep as Auntie Scroogie and woke up as Lady Claus.   I’m diggin’ my nighttime makeover.

Not sure what took me so long…I mean just because Safeway started playing Christmas carols two months ago does NOT mean I should be spreading holiday cheer to all.   That’s not my job…that’s the Salvation Army bell ringer’s job, right?

So why my sudden transformation?

• Maybe it’s my new condo…
• Maybe it’s the thought of 2012…and all the future blessings yet to be discovered…
• Maybe it’s because I get to see my crazy relatives in just one more day…
• Maybe it’s because I only have one more gift to buy…hence, one more annoying line to stand in…
• Maybe it’s because I went to church last Sunday…
• Maybe it’s the guy who’s 5 years younger who asked me out…
• Maybe it’s my new neighbor who dropped off homemade cookies…
• Maybe it’s knowing my broken heart is on the mend…
• Maybe it’s the impromptu snowstorm that hit Denver this afternoon…
• Maybe it’s the xanax…or the gi-normous bottle of Crown Royal I scored at my friend’s gift exchange party…

Whatever it is…I’m welcoming it with open arms.

On Friday, I head to Texas to visit family, loaded down with my big suitcase and jam-packed schedule.   I only have about 1.2 million people to catch up with over 120 hours.  Five days of non-stop hugs, conversations, adult libations, laughs, and hopefully…no tears.   Yes, it will be a whirlwind…but I’d rather be stuck in that storm than sitting home alone staring at my dog and cat.  It’s kinda nice being pulled in a multitude of directions.  I’ll take that as a compliment.

My newfound holiday joy was INDEED tested earlier today.  A few days ago, I mailed a cute, dainty necklace to my BFF…Brendy…courtesy of the U.S Postal service.   I wrapped it in tissue paper, tucked it discreetly inside a card…and sent it on its merry way to Kansas City.   This afternoon, when Brendy received the card, she noticed a small hole in the envelope…and low and behold…gasp…someone had STOLEN the necklace.  Argh!

——————————-

Dear Disgruntled Postal Employee…

I hope you or someone you know needed that necklace more than my friend.   Someone like a homeless person…a person with a terminal illness…a person who just lost his job.  If not though…that stolen necklace will bring you nothing but bad karma.  And I hope your neck turns green…because…sorry to inform you…it’s not REAL gold.

Sincerely,

Your Secret Santa

——————————-

Sorry…thief…despite your unruly ways, you did NOT ruin my holiday cheer.  I’m better than that.  Yes, material items matter to an extent.  But the bigger joy of the holiday season is simply spending time with loved ones, giving thanks for the ups AND downs of the past year, and accepting that life is unscripted.   It’s also about embracing the new year…and all the potential experiences that come in that shiny package.  For me, that could be…a new television show to produce or write, a new love interest, a new travel adventure…and tons of time to remodel my home.  2012 I’m ready!

Speaking of home…did I mention it’s snowing outside?  And that my new neighborhood rocks?  Earlier tonight, while happily walking back to my pad after visiting a local bar, I realized it finally felt like the holidays.  Under the spell of falling snowflakes, my little neighborhood looks like a scene from a snow globe.

I almost hear Christmas carols.