The Christmas Spirit

In direct contrast to last year, my home is actually decorated and quite festive this year. I have a Christmas tree complete with wrapped presents, a Christmas table cloth along with a holiday table center piece, and our stockings are hung by the chimney with care. We went with a real tree this year. It has been a test of my holiday dedication to keep it alive since we got it the weekend of Thanksgiving. But 0ur tree is still green and there are still needles clinging to the branches. My class room at school is even more decked out. Every square inch of wall space has been taken over with our holiday art projects. As head teacher, it was my responsibility to come up with a parent present that the kids could make and take home. The other teachers sent home one present and one card. We painted cards, made angels out of ribbons, recipe boxes and wreath ornaments with our pictures. Most of my coworkers have commented on my red and green themed outfits. For some reason, I am really getting into Christmas this year. Last year we did not even get a tree or hang our stockings. I think I am over compensating for being so far away from my family. I am trying to bring a little piece of home out to South Dakota. Next year, the Laniers, Thomas's, Burkes and Adams will have to go on a tropical vacay to Hawaii. That way we can all be together and we can all be warm. It's a win-win.