Well, its that time of year again. Time to put a few old traditions away (either out of necessity or rebellion) and start some new ones. The boys will be happy to see a couple of the old ones go by the wayside. One is a no brainer as we have moved from Hooterville and its no longer convenient to see the drive-thru "Holiday Lights" display in Denison. Every Christmas Eve Eve (yes, I said "Eve Eve") for 4 years after dinner I would make hot chocolate, drag the boys out to the car and we would head for Loy Lake Park. You can tune in to a certain local radio station where they play carols making the entire experience even more magical. The carols were accompanied by lots of grumbling about how "lame" the lights were for anyone over 5 and one of us always spilled hot chocolate in Gary's Cadillac, sort of like a 5 year old, hmmmmm. I thought it was a fun and folksy thing to do.

Every year the park adds something new. Why, I think the last addition was a fishing Rudolf (appropriate for the Lake Texoma area) and I understand this year they have a couple of bears climbing a tree! The Boy Scouts screw in all the light bulbs which is a mighty job in and of itself. It takes over a hundred volunteers to get it all together plus man the donation bucket at the exit. One year we even saw a fella propose to his girlfriend right in front of Roller Coaster Santa. You aren't supposed to get out of your car but they did and he got down on one knee and everything. Now thats what I call a memorable proposal. Everyone in the line started tooting their horns in jubilation! I wondered if they got in trouble for getting out of their car. Surely once they knew there was no mayhem or shenanigans involved they let them be. Anyway, suffice to say it became blindingly obvious that I was the only one who enjoyed this particular activity.

So, I have decided to test drive a couple of new traditions this year. Last year we had tamales and Christmas Cocktails for dinner on Christmas Eve. It went over pretty well. Dinner is followed by moving into the library where the tree is located. Its a small room so its a good thing there will only be 5 of us. Then we will have coffee and dessert. Im getting a Yule Log this year; also a new tradition. We will chat for a while and have a lively Chinese Christmas White Elephant game before opening our real gifts. Oh dear, should I have said "Asian Christmas and Elephant of undetermined race"? Its hard to keep up with what is proper from day to day. Anyway, Im hoping everyone will have a good time. Thats one game thats probably more fun if you are a little bit liquored up.

I still haven't figured out why we have to have a tree. Dont get me wrong, I love a decorated tree. And I have long accepted that it falls to me to do the decorating. But it would be so nice to have a little help with the task. Oh, I have visions of Bing Crosby singing in the background while Gary and I lovingly place treasured ornaments on the tree, sipping champagne and nibbling on truffles, all while snow is gently falling outside the big window. Hey, its my fantasy! Instead, Gary grudgingly assembled our new large fake tree, without even donning the white gloves that came with it, and cussing pretty much the entire time he is on the floor flat on his back trying to adjust the bottom limbs while the dogs jump on his tummy trying to take advantage of his situation. Once he has it put together, he is off like a prom dress. Why, I think the most time consuming (not to mention prickly) part is spreading out each and every limb. I think I prefer a real tree. They are easier and shake out all by themselves. If only they came pre-lit!

The best part of Christmas (for me anyway) is enjoying family and friends we dont get to see very often. Well, that and really good fudge. But we have had several occasions this fall to get the extended family together and I have enjoyed each one of them. But all and all I think having low expectations is the only sane way to approach the holidays. It certainly alleviates a lot of the stress. This year cooking is going to be kept to a minimum, too! Yep, low expectations, Xanax and cocktails; its whats for dinner! Ho Ho Ho