So this is Christmas...

For the first time ever I am not ready for Christmas this year! For one, what the hell happened to the time? Wasn't it just Thanksgiving and today it's two weeks from Christmas Eve? Second, as most of you know, I lost my sweet Grandma Hudson a week ago today. Christmas Eve was always the day we would go out to her place - I can see her now with her apron on sneaking her own Christmas fudge while finishing up the food for dinner. Her 1945 tree is by the window standing a proud 3 feet tall with multi-color stranded bulbs as big as an egg. A lot of us forget the true meaning of Christmas, but it is because of this story that my Grandmother is celebrating in Heaven as we speak. Although it doesn't feel like a time for cheer, it's really a joyous occasion!
So in the battle of Crystal vs. the Grinch, I am slowly winning. I took the first step by purchasing a tree, a haggled $35 tree from the corner of 49th and 9th. My roommate and I decorated it tonight while listening to Christmas tunes, a two-year tradition for us. I think I'm on my way to holiday cheer...next up "It's A Wonderful Life." Hell, maybe I'll try that Christmas fudge again this year - got to do Wilma proud!
Happy Holidays friends and loved ones!