Code word is “Santa’s got a brand new bag”.

Now that the holiday season is in full swing here in the Great Lakes State, Brandt has finally OK’ed listening to Christmas music in the car when we run our errands.  I love Christmas songs because they really set the mood for the holidays.  Yet there are some Christmas songs that I absolutely hate.  Take the song “The Christmas Shoes.” Call me heartless, but if a kid walks up to the checkout stand with some gold shoes and asks you to spot him because his mom is going to die soon? I don’t think so. I have no qualms helping people in need, but I take issue if a kid goes to the store, begging for random articles of clothing instead of food or warm clothes.  Another song I don’t care for either is “Grown up Christmas List.” While the song does mean well, it’s cliché and musically is horribly overproduced and underdelivered.

While the songs are a great part about Christmas, eventually the question comes down the goods.  The gifts.  One thing I find interesting about this season is more people ask what do you want for the Christmas, not so much what you are giving. This is the season giving, and people have more control on what they give instead of what they get.

Making A List, Checking it Twice

Note: Because you all were SO NICE yesterday and gave us the most views we have EVER HAD for our website, I’m going to be extra nice and give you a 2 FOR 1 SPECIAL!!  That’s right, instead of anxiously waiting for the next time I decided to update the website, you will get two, TWO posts today instead of the normal one!  And it’s a NAVEL-GAZING EXTRAVAGANZA!  CHRISTMAS LISTS!  HUZZAH!  Of course, Ashley had to go and outdo me, but that’s what she’s best at.  So sit back and enjoy!  Ashley’s post will be up this afternoon!

I was a bit apprehensive around Thanksgiving this last year.  While we had a great time with much more friends than family at this year’s party, I knew the inevitable topic was going to come up with my uncles.

“So, Brandt, I need a Christmas list for you and Ashley.”

Ugh.