The Time We Forgot Christmas

That would be this year. Obviously we know Christmas is in a few days, but it's way too late to get any gifts sent out from Burundi to Rhode Island to arrive in time. We didn't even think about getting gifts for ourselves! With Mike's family visiting we were too preoccupied to think of presents. And since it's no where near cold here (twinge of jealousy for the snowy day in the Northeast today), and there just aren't too many advertisements, there aren't any seasonal or commercial clues to remind you to get ready for the holiday. 

Again we are treeless this year. I can't stand fake trees, and the only ones you can get here are really, really fake. Real pine trees are rare, but I've spotted a few. However, the ministry of the environment forbids them to be cut down. I have a small "Christmas area" set up with some faux pine branches that don't look too bad, some lights that I bought in town last year, and my Burundian and Mexican creches. I'm not religious, but I was raised Catholic and I've always liked nativity scenes.

Mike's working today so I'm spending the day watching all the Christmas movies that he doesn't like. It seems more obligatory than celebratory though.

I think on Christmas Day we're going to blast the air conditioner and make hot chocolate.