Nope. I’m still not in the Christmas spirit. I’m trying, really I am.

I was so glad when Thanksgiving was over, I almost cried from sheer relief. I felt depleted from the demands that my job had placed on me. We’re still busy (read: BEHIND), but it’s tolerable. Barely.

Had an extra crappy day yesterday, so I poured myself the last of the port. (There’s another bottle waiting to be opened, don’t worry.) Sat down and watched yet another insipid episode of Days Of Our Lives. Why do I watch this, anyway??? After that, we turned off the VCR (yep, VCR) and lo and behold, A Charlie Brown Christmas had just started. Okay…maybe this will help get me in the holiday mood. I enjoyed it, especially the part where the spotlight hits Linus while on the stage and he recites one of the most beautiful Biblical passages as an explanation of what Christmas really means.

After it was over, though, all I could feel was fatigue. The port (aka liquid Xanax) had done its job of relaxing me but now it was time for bed. Have to get up and fight it again the next day.

I have hope, however. The weather is supposed to turn extremely winter-like by tonight. Precipitation in the form of sleet or even (gasp!) snow is predicted. Not that I pay much attention to that. Snow is one of the most difficult forecasts for any meteorologist who actually understands Texas weather. But still. 50% chance of SOMETHING besides 70-something degree weather. Spring temps don’t exactly make you want to put the tree up.

Plus, this morning we booked a couple of nights in Santa Fe, for December 26th through 28th. At first, I thought it would be tres cool to go on Christmas Day until I realized nothing would be open and it would be a wasted day. Yes, it’s going to be cold…and you have to walk everywhere to get around easily…but it will be the first time I’ve seen Christmas decorations in a true winter landscape. If the roads will allow it, I’m going. I don’t care if it snows two feet.

On Sunday, the Jones Family (that’s us…along with Randy’s parents) will be lighting the first Advent candle at church. I consider it a privilege to worship and glorify God in this way, not only as a Christian but as a human being.

Heck, my heart might grow 3 sizes that day. Just like the Grinch’s.