Almost made it.

So, today is the Solstice, which means that after today it’s all up hill from here with my SAD, sort of, for this winter.

It’s also almost Christmas. Christmas has passed me by with a blur this year, and I’m kind of fine with that. Usually I really invest myself in trying to get into it, but this year, I find that I’m quietly thankful for Jesus’ birth, and excited to give the gifts that I’ve lovingly chosen … and that’s about it. 

Although, I will be cooking duck ragu with homemade pappardelle for my family on Saturday night, and that should be pretty awesome. I guess I’m thankful and excited for the food too, surprise, surprise.

My brother won’t be at home for Christmas this year. He’s all grown up and spending it with his girlfriend’s family. I’ve been the Supportive One about his decision, telling my mother and my sister and my aunt and uncle that they need to trust him to make the best choice for himself and his relationship, but I’m secretly dreading a Christmas Day celebration without my brother. Largely because I know he’ll be sad, too, even though he’ll be happy to be with his girlfriend. Things have changed so much over the last two years.

Ah, well. There is celebrating the birth of my Savior and Peanuts Christmas movies and sparkly nail polish and duck ragu and family time and the drive to Mumsie’s house with Braden (listening to James Marsters read books on tape … er, iPod) to look forward to. Since it is Christmas, let’s be glad.