Fighting the Grinch

Ok, so I'm trying really hard to get into the Christmas spirit. I don't know why it's been so difficult, because normally I love Christmas, but this year I am just not feeling it. Last week when one of my patients asked me if I was ready for Christmas I told him no, I didn't really feel into it yet, and he asked, "Why because you work here?" Although it has definitely started to feel more like winter weather-wise in Albuquerque with highs in the 30's (Brrr!!!), maybe I have gotten a little more cynical.

So to try to get myself going last weekend,we took Vesper for her first Christmas to visit Santa. She loved seeing all of the other dogs and even tolerated her reindeer outfit all afternoon. I think she's been so good she defineitly deserves some bones and toys from Santa! Maybe even some turkey too!

After the Santa festivities we headed out to get our tree. Last year was our first Christmas together being married and the first time for me having a real tree, and we loved it so much we decided to continue the tradition. We went to the same little tree lot too, although this time instead of getting a little six footer, I just couldn't resist how beautiful and full the 7 1/2 foot tree looked.

Once we got it home and up I was really starting to feel excited about making our house Christmassy, but that fell apart, literally, last night.

Our poor tree was too top heavy! I worried we would have to ghetto rig it with some twine, but somehow Joel managed to secure it with the base. I have yet to fix the ornaments and am hoping it survived today.

On a sadder note Joel's grandmother was admitted to the hospital yesterday and she seems to be worsening. I know Joel has some happy memories of her although she hasn't remembered him for many years. Two years ago I had the chance to meet her, and Joel and his mom and I got to spend the day with her on one of her better days.

Our family has also been very worried about my parent's dear chocolate lab Choco. Even at the old age of 16, he has kept some spring in his step and even tolerates our little Springer's crazy antics. It's so hard, especially on Steph who has really taken care of him so much these last few years. He is so sweet and has had such a good life.

But we still have so many things to be grateful for, so I am fighting the Grinch! How do you get into the Christmas Spirit? :)