A Charlie Brown Christmas

Christmas time is here.... where did it come from? In fact, it's nearly come and gone already. This will be perhaps the strangest Christmas I have yet to experience. The first ever Christmas I have spent without my sweet sister.

See, we've been together every year since the beginning....

My family and I will all be alone this year, well not alone but alone from each other. Separated by states and work obligations. Yes, the joys of being a nurse mean spending Christmas at the hospital every three years. 

Christmas time means getting out my favorite holiday movies, Love Actually, A Christmas Story and of course Charlie Brown (see bottom of blog for your viewing pleasure).

Charlie Brown and I bare (is that the right bear?) remarkable similarities. Both sarcastic and often times pessimistic/glass half empty are Chuck and I. It's especially true at Christmas when you're feeling a little bit lonely at the thought of spending it without your mother or some handsome swain. 

I really don't like receiving gifts. I think it has to do with me having to be center of attention while everyone watches for your expression when you open (thanks to a long family tradition of each opening one gift at a time while all others watch.) The thought of going to the mall this time of year makes me break out in hives. I can't handle the black Friday crazy shoppers and the "Grandma got run over by a reindeer" carols. Ba humbug? No, I don't think so. For every year I am reminded right along with Charlie Brown that the true meaning of Christmas is not the "commercialism" of it, but little baby Jesus. 

When you remember that, it's easier feel joy, even at the thought of being alone this weekend. I'm saddened that I will be unable to attend the Christmas Eve service at my new church this year, one of my favorite things to do is sing Christmas Caroles. Don't worry tiny premature babies, you'll be getting an earful of baby Jesus cheer from your favorite nurse.