Countdown to Christmas: 4 days

Today's Christmas photo

Max as Father Time and me as...Baby New Year? Is that a thing?

Today's Christmas memory

When I was in junior high my mom got herself, Char, Francie and I this great gig working on the Snow Train that ran from Seattle to Leavenworth, which, for all you non-Washingtonians, is a faux Bavarian town on the other side of the mountains.

It was the best deal ever. All we had to do was hand paper cups of hot cocoa and a box lunch to the passengers during the 1.5 hour journey. Maybe we led some carols. I don't really remember. I do remember it being really easy.

Then we would arrive in snowy Leavenworth, all lit up with twinkly lights and smelling of sizzling bratwurst. We'd walk around the neighbourhoods and wonder what it would be like to live there. Leavenworth's awesome at Christmas, but tacky and forgotten the rest of the year.

On the train ride back we didn't have to do anything at all. For a day's work, we would each earn 100 big bones. I don't think I was technically old enough to be working. Was the whole thing done under the table? Hmmm.

I remember thinking, "I can't believe I'm getting paid to do this! I should be paying them!" 

Now, although I look back on it fondly, I know I deserved my pay. That's just part of getting older—you realise that, even if you enjoy what you do, you don't work for free. It's called self-worth. And rent. And food. And a Yankee candle addiction.

Today's Christmas gift idea

Metal spider head scratcher! For the ultimate scalp sensation. Remember when I went and bought one mid blog post?

Andy and I apply the scratcher to each other while we watch TV and it never gets old. The other day I saw Khloe Kardashian using one on an episode of Kourtney and Khloe Take the Hamptons, so you know it must be good.

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Nollaig Shona Duit,

Margaret

Countdown to Christmas: 5 days

Today's Christmas photo

Oh yeah. Chosen to be on the top of the pyramid. #Skinny

Today's Christmas memory

I remember this moment well because I videotaped it with our camcorder and have watched it many times since. Allow me to set the scene for you.

My dad: Carrying a ginormous Christmas tree up the stairs, working with my someone (Max, I think) to get it to stand straight, getting down his hands and knees and attempting to twist the screws of the tree stand into the trunk, grunting and breathing loudly.
My mom: Blaring Raffi's Christmas album through the big speakers. Popping popcorn to make popcorn/cranberry garlands later. Basking in the festive spirit.
My dad: With the speaker right next to his ear, "Can somebody please turn that music down?"
My mom: Continues to monitor the popcorn, unable to hear his plea.
My dad: Can someone turn off the music?
My mom: Humming along with Raffi as he sings "On Christmas morning, I'll wake up bright and early..."
My dad: NINA! TURN OFF THE MUSIC!

Me: Filming and laughing under my breath.

Next time I go back to Kenmore, I'll hunt down the footage and post it on the blog. Maybe next Christmas.

Today's Christmas gift idea

Astronaut ice cream! It's the perfect stocking stuffer. More than just a gift—an experience! Let's face it, if Lance Bass can't fulfil his dream to go to space, than none of us stand a chance. This is as close as you'll get to space travel. Savour every last bite.

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Wesołych Świąt,
Margaret

Countdown to Christmas: 7 days

Today's Christmas photo(s)

Today's Christmas memory*

We went through a stage of buying the ugliest Christmas tree we could find. One year, "ugliest" translated to "most dead". Predictably, all the needles fell off and we were left with nothing but a web of sticks. I removed all the lights and my mom drove to Yakima Fruit Market to get a replacement.

*OK, this is the one time that the photo will relate to the memory. Don't get used to it.

Today's Christmas gift idea

Love it, love it, love it. Absolutely gotta have it. Vitabath. The best-smelling bubble bath since sliced bread (which isn't even bubble bath). Could there be a better stocking stuffer? NO. There couldn't be.


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圣诞节快乐,
Margaret

P.S. Google translate it.

Countdown to Christmas: 8 days

Today's Christmas photo

A contender for our family Christmas photo one year. Needless to say, it didn't make it past the cutting room floor.

Today's Christmas memory

I vividly remember lying in a sleeping bag next to the rest of my siblings on the floor of my parents' bedroom on Christmas Eve. Anna and Max told me that if I really really really wished for what I wanted, Santa would bring it. So, the whole night (or for the two minutes it took to fall asleep), I wished as hard as I could for one of those horse heads with the stick body. You know the ones...Googling it now...a hobby horse, that's it!

Lo and behold, the next morning a beautiful ebony-coated mare was waiting for me under the tree. I named her 'Black Beauty', because, duh.

I think this story prove that, unless the hobby horse idea was somehow planted in my head, Santa really is real.

Today's Christmas gift idea

Taylor Swift's new album. Let this one be a treat for yourself. Every song is good. Read my review for further information.

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Mele Kalikimaka,
Margaret