It's that time of the year again. Time to think about evergreens and candles and red glass bulbs and holly and mistletoe. Yes, it's getting on toward Christmas.
And that also means all the Christmas specials are on TV. Some are must-sees for me. Shows like the Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Nutcracker Princes and A Christmas Carol are among the titles I put on my viewing list every year. I also like Babes in Toyland, the one starring Keanu Reeves and Drew Barrymore. I realize it's a little on the cheesy side. The acting isn't very good and the story is pretty predictable, but it's one of those movies that appeals to me.
In case you were wondering, my tree is up and decorated.
I'll try to include a picture next time. I've got a few new ornaments
this year and some old favorites.
And Christmas music is in the air. Everywhere you go you hear the songs of Christmas. Some radio stations are wall-to-wall Christmas this time of year. I prefer to set my own playlist, which includes Mannheim Steamroller, Michael Crawford, The King's Singers and more Mannheim Steamroller. I know not everyone likes Mannheim, but I do, and if I'm listening on my headphones (which I usually do at work), no one else will know.
There are a few Christmas songs I just can't stand. "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby is one of them. I don't really have anything against the song - I've just heard it waaaaaaay too much. My apartment in Pawnee City was on the second floor of a downtown building, and the building owner played Christmas music during the season. One Saturday afternoon, someone must have hit repeat for "White Christmas" because it played over and over and over and over. All afternoon. Over and over and over. And then it played again. If I never hear it again it will be too soon.
And then there's "Wonderful Christmas Time" by Paul McCartney, which makes me want to put my head in a vise and tighten it. I can't even begin to tell you all the ways it makes me crazy. Simply put, that song makes me not have a wonderful Christmas time. Sorry, Mr. McCartney, it's not even close to your best work.
So, now it's time to start checking my list. Ordering/buying presents for the nieces and nephews - who gets what and do I take it with me to Mom's or mail it or maybe take it to Mom's and have one brother take it with him back to the other brother? What have I already gotten and who is it for? What about for Mom? So much to do, so little time.
Enjoy the season, everyone.
