No Lights, But Much Christmas Spirit!

I took both Kids for their separate walks this afternoon - we haven't done a "group" walk since our jaunt through the bushes and MY ride across the asphalt - and, by the way, as if it isn't bad enough that I have a bum right knee - my right shoulder hasn't been the same since that walk, either. Still need to take The Kids for their trots through the neighborhood, however, but now I get to go twice! [A well-exercised and tired four-legged-Kid is a happy Kid!]

Seems like in years past that there have been lots of Christmas lights strung out, and you could see everyone's trees through their front windows [those of us that have houses and are not surrounded on all four sides by six foot high cement walls]. This year? There are a few random strands of lights outside but NOT A SINGLE CHRISTMAS TREE! Not a one. Either they are being well-hidden behind closed drapes or there are just not as many ex-pats here [and there aren't] during the Holidays this year. [And, that isn't to say that there are not Christmas Trees in homes on our compound - there are - but those that have been visible in past years are not visible this year.] I wonder why... But, then, who am I to talk? We don't have our tree up this year, either. We celebrated the Holidays while we were in the States and have only just been home for two weeks. It wasn't that I can't be bothered - but it just didn't seem worth the time and effort. Christmas is in the heart; just because there isn't a tree in our living room / dining room doesn't mean we are not celebrating the reason for the season!

Tonight is Christmas Eve. I am saddened that our family and our friends in the States are separated from us - even though I did just spend three weeks with them. The Holidays ARE about family and friends. I am glad, however, for our many, many friends here, and the celebrations that we have been to and look forward to continuing to partake in...



Lemuel Calhoun, at Hillbilly White Trash posts the most awesomely chosen music videos - especially for Christmas! This "is the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's video for Christmas Eve Sarajevo. The tune is the traditional Christmas carol Carol of the Bells." Enjoy.

I wish you all a very, very Merry Christmas!!!