Christmas Eve

Here we are sitting on the edge of the big day everyone has been waiting for all month, actually since thanksgiving day for most since they begin shopping the day after on Black Friday or the day of gluttony after a day of gluttony for many of us in America.

Now I should clarify that not 'everyone' focuses on shoveling food into their face at a high rate of speed one day then swiping their credit cards at that same rate the next. Thankfully there is still a large percentage that values the day to spend with family and friends. Then, should they choose to go shopping on Black Friday they do it because there are sales, it's a tradition or another reason to hang out with friends and family and partake in the start of the holiday's.

I do not subscribe to the tradition of running out and getting deals. Honestly my time is more valuable than saving money on a TV or other device I would have not otherwise have purchased. More than likely given the same circumstances I would have instead researched and bought exactly what I wanted versus what was on special.

I do understand for many this is the only way to make it to today as well as tomorrow and be able to give those materialistic gifts to each other. I am not judging any of you, instead expressing the way that I see it. Should someone be in this situation in my life and I happen to be on your list to receive a gift let me make it easier for you. Sleep in on Black Friday, save your money and instead give me a handmade certificate to go hiking one day or to come over and help rake leaves and have a beer with me. Maybe save me a few of your special Christmas goodies you bake up every year.

These are the things that I will remember and cherish and that are timeless. The big screen TV, the new game console or gadget will be appreciated very much, or until the next improved version of it comes out to replace it.

Ask most anyone about memories surrounding the holidays and they usually will reflect on driving to grandmas house for dinner during that crazy snowstorm or how they ended up eating half the goodies they baked while watching a favorite Christmas special on TV. Maybe that big game they play every year or the smell of the tree, candles or winter air. Not the big TV or the $2000 purse or jewelry they received that day.

I think you get the idea and the point that I am trying to make, that's if you've made it this far in today's rabble.

Dad's

On that note, today is the day that we head over to dads house to have our traditional Croatian dinner that he makes. We will have cabbage rolls and plenty of them. Followed by some awesome desserts and stories, laughing and messing around. My stepmom Cyndi will surely try to get us all to play a board game before dessert and my dad will only want to watch, although he will always step in to offer advice to Cyndi as she plays making sure to let everyone know he is still not interested in playing although we all know deep down he is and would probably kick all of our asses at the game!

These are the things I enjoy and cherish about the holiday and this year even more. This time next year my dad and Cyndi will most likely be living in Alabama and families will be even further apart.

I had hopes of going to dads to learn the art of making the cabbage rolls today but we have too much on our plates to make it a go. I will have to go over early and sample the finished product instead.

Maybe next year starting the tradition here at home and sending him a few of my rolls for the official approval or advice on what could be improved!

Enjoy

Have a great day today in preparation for what tomorrow will bring. Keep in mind the big picture and the memories made. Don't focus on the materialistic, rather the realistic as those will be the gifts you will always own....

Photo: Zoey's stocking for her first Christmas. She is spoiled rotten already this year, we need to slow our roll!