Why it doesn't feel like Christmas

I see the inordinate amount of holiday sales commercials, I hear the holiday music, and I see the Christmas lights all over the neighborhood.  Yet, it doesn't feel like Christmas yet. Here is why:

1. It's Florida, and it is currently 72 degrees outside. I'm wearing a tank top, capris and flip flops.

2. Our house is for sale, so we can't decorate. No lights and no tree (no room for tree without rearranging the house which would make it look "crowded" and "smaller"). We do have a pretty wreath on the door.  I felt like that was harmless enough.

3. I haven't started wrapping the gifts for which I just bought yesterday (a mere 6 days prior to Christmas).

We won't be home for Christmas, so it isn't terrible that we didn't decorate.  Next year when Elsa is here you better believe I will go all out.  A couple of years of pent up Christmas creativity will throw up all over our house.  And hopefully no animals will get hurt in the process.  Haha.

Christmas Spirit

This is the first year in many that I think I have felt what one might call the "Christmas Spirit."  I have no real reason to have not felt this feeling in the last few years. I feel like there has been some selfishness on my part causing me to not respond to holiday cheer, but instead to focus on me and probably Steven.  I spent eons focusing on others, with not too much in return.  I admit I have felt under-appreciated at times, but not neglected in any way.
So to have this feeling crop up this year feels good.
A study was conducted in 2007 on developing a way to measure Christmas spirit. Full article here: http://www.emeraldinsight.com/promo/xmas/a_measure.pdf.
"Ultimately, people with strong, positive feelings and judgements about Christmas would have a high level of Christmas spirit that influences the conduct of Christmas activities in a happy and cheerful manner."

I am not religious and therefore, do not celebrate Christmas in that manner.  I do however, embrace the idea of good will towards man, and that Christmas sees an increase in this goodwill.  
I have increased my tipping at restaurants, wanting to provide some additional funds for wait staff at this time of year, bought magazines by those door to door saleskids (sucker I know), and bought little trinkets in an effort to say "thank you for all you have done this year." It has made me feel good, and increased my holiday outlook. I define my holiday outlook as, the world is a better place, and will continue to be a better place as long as people "pay it forward" in their Christmas spirit. Spreading Christmas like a virus I suppose.

So Merry Christmas to all, or Happy Holidays, whichever your prefer!

Leslie's Favorite Things

Watched an always funny How I met Your Mother and Barney mocks the Oprah's favorite Things.  Barney's Favorite Things are given out to McClaren's bar attendees.  Made me think, what would my favorite things be?
Well let me tell you...in no specific order, and I don't necessarily have these things...

Tiffany's Knot ring:

Apple iPad

Adobe Lightroom

The Keurig coffee maker. Ok so I don't even like coffee, but it makes hot water.  Could I make hot water in the microwave, yes, on the stove, yes. But I need the gadget. :-)

Wii Black.. I think this might be coming for Christmas (fingers crossed)

Beautiful venetian champagne flutes...from NapaStyle

Ann Taylor Knit Endless Metallic Scarf (Infinity Scarf) I am horrible at wrapping my scarves, this would fix that!

Well, that's all for now. I think it is enough don't you?