I'm feeling better about Christmas this year... so far, anyway! lol

I went Christmas shopping on Monday, and got almost everything. I finished up today, buying the last few things online. I'm never done this early... this is definitely an accomplishment! I made a few goodies last week, and will make a bit more but not much. I don't go all out like I used to, we never eat it all and we won't be home for Christmas anyway.

I went to an Advent study/worship/fellowship at our church last night. It was quite nice, especially the worship. The library staff and board were invited to the Town (town council, employees, etc.) Christmas party, which was tonight. It was good. My friend Lana and I left a little while after dinner, while most everyone else stayed to socialize/drink/play games -- that's not so much my thing. We (library folks) appreciated the invitation, this is the first time we've been invited.

A friend of mine also struggles with the Christmas season. She wrote to me last night to tell me that she had had a wonderful conversation with a friend of hers, in which they were able to be open with one another and share in many ways -- hopes, unfulfilled dreams, struggles, memories, joy and pain. It was healing for both of them, and my friend is feeling very blessed, and has a new, positive outlook -- she is approaching Advent and Christmas with a different perspective. I could feel the joy and the wonder in her words. God is good.

I'm going to try to get the tree up this weekend. Last year, I never even bothered. How sad is that? :-P I don't particularly like doing it, especially since I do it alone, but I'm making the effort. ;-) I think it will help me feel more "Christmas-y".

I got a birthday present in the mail today, from Josh. It made me very happy. :-)