Another 2 on Tuesday - Christmas Traditions

I had fun linking up to Andrea for her 2 on Tuesday. The topic this week is another fun one: What are your Christmas Traditions?

Since it's just the two of us (well, three counting the puppy dog), we haven't really built in many traditions. We alternate years spending Christmas with our families. This year it's my family's turn, so we'll travel down after Husband get off Friday.

Growing up, we always went to the Christmas Eve communion service at church and would go to an open house gathering at a close family friend (who also happens to be the church's secretary. Since my parents have moved, I'm not sure what the plan will be. Sometimes we do church, sometimes not. Either way there will be puppy chow and A Christmas Story. We open all gifts Christmas morning (none of that Christmas Eve crap. Not even one), beginning with stockings and moving on to the tree. As I've gotten older, all of that happens after a first cup of coffee, of course.

Christmas 2009? I think. Husband caffinating

Besides puppy chow, and a Christmas story, my favorite family tradition is waking up my sister. She's always been a late sleeper. When I was little, I'd wake her up by creeping in her room and getting REEEEEEEAL close to her face and just stare.

As I mentioned, my husband and I don't have too many traditions that are all our own. We continue my family's tradition of putting up a live tree (not a candle in the world compares to the smell of real fir).

The one tradition that is all ours is pretty special. Like most traditions, I'm not sure how or when it really started, but when we were still dating, my husband decided to take me out to a fancy dinner. Like break out the Spanx and keep your elbows off the table nice. We've been slowly eating our way around the nicer restaurants in town, having frequented Jonathan's at Gratz Park (less than impressed for the cost, but good), Nagasaki Inn (hibachi grill), Malone's (also our engagement dinner locale), and most recently Dudley's. This year we're planning on trying Merrick Inn. The goal is to go somewhere a) we've never been and b) we wouldn't normally go if we were eating out.

The Hubs and I before Nagasaki Christmas dinner

It's tough scheduling dinner with all of the other commitments we have during the season, but we also usually make it a priority.

Our other tradition hasn't always been an annual event. There's a house in town known as "the Christmas House." Every town has one, I'm sure. In fact, ask anyone in town, you'll probably get addresses of multiple "Christmas houses." Well, apparently not everyone knows about this one:

Me at Christmas House

They do Christmas up HUGE. We went twice, then the owner had medical problems and wasn't able to do as much the third. Then the owner moved, but still did his display at a local country club. Nice, but eh. Not the same. Well then Husband showed me this article from the paper. It's back and I have high expectations. We'll probably go out riding one evening, with Mister and check it all out.

Closet Makeover

1. Laundry Dresser by Ana White to replace our current hamper

2. Necklace hanger via Pinterest

3. Shelf brackets from Lowes. Add a piece of 1x10 and we'll take advantage of some wasted space and create shelves for sweaters

4. Minwax Stain in Red Mahogony (for said brackets/shelves)

5. Shoe Cubby by Ana White

6. DIY scarf organizer via Pinterest

7. Purse Organization via Pinterest

One paper separates me from the end of the semester, so of course I'm procrastinating as long as possible.

Just thought I'd give a quick update on my winter project plan. I had three options, but after hauling laundry and spending at least 30 minutes sorting last week, I immediately knew my priority. The Master Closet.

Of course, it will be painted a similar green to the background and that color will also go in the "toilet room" of our master bath.

The laundry sorter is my project priority. If I can get the shoe cubby in before it's too cold, great. If not, it'll wait til spring. This will all give me something to do in December when I don't have schoolwork hanging over my head :)

2 on Tuesday

Today I'm linking up to Andrea's 2 on Tuesday. She wants to know "What's on your Christmas wish list? What do you hope to receive from Santa?"

My wants are pretty nerdy this year. Some organizing things, mostly for the kitchen (kind of tired of an avalanche of pans when I'm trying to start cooking) and a few other house things.

I would really like this comforter for our room. Our current one is from Husband's apartment and is pretty gross. I'd also like one for the guest room, which currently has a duvet cover and blanket, but no actual comforter.

I know this picture is small, but TOMS website didn't like me copying the picture. Anyway, these shoes are really growing on me. I didn't really like them at first, but the more I see people wear them, the more I like them. Especially since I started learning more about the company. For every pair of shoes you buy, they send a pair to a child in need. The problems associated with not having something so basic as a pair of shoes are crazy.

Finally, I have a couple of books on my wish list (my personal wish list. I keep a separate one for books I want for a classroom). This one is about the author's struggle with dyslexia.