formerly Diane's Addled Ramblings... the ramblings are still addled, just like before, and the URL is still the same...
it's just the title at the top of the page that's new

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Good Stuff...

So… this whole Christmas tradition thing…

First, thanks to everyone who shared their traditions and made suggestions! I came up with a few things for us to do this year – things that could possibly become traditions down the road. I’ve told Ryan about them all and she’s pretty excited… and that makes me feel kind of excited… so I’m putting my Grinchiness on hold for a little while. As of right now, our list looks like this…

1. Going to DC this weekend (if the weather holds) to visit the (finally!) reopened American History Museum (which is not Christmas-y, I know, but the place has been closed for renovation for two years and we’ve been chomping at the bit to get in there!)… possibly some ice skating at the rink near the Portrait Gallery (Ryan’s a little balance-challenged, so we’ll see how that goes)… and we’re definitely staying ‘til dark to see the National Christmas Tree

2. Snuggling on the couch one Saturday afternoon with popcorn and hot chocolate to introduce Ryan to my two favorite holiday movies – It’s A Wonderful Life and A Christmas Story (I bought that one for my dad about 20 years ago because it reminded me of him and where he grew up. We watched it together every year but I haven’t seen it since he died)

3. Going to The Moonlight Holiday Festival at the local university, where we'll take a carriage ride around the university arboretum

4. Celebrating the Winter Solstice on the 21st with a hike in the mountains during the day (brrrrr) and a fire in the fire pit outside that evening (ahhhhh)

5. Serving dinner to the homeless at the community center on Christmas Day (I expected a little resistance here but Ryan’s really looking forward to it, as am I)… then heading to the movie theater to see The Tale of Despereaux (one of our favorite books that looks like it’s going to be a great movie!)

So… stuff to look forward to… good stuff… that doesn’t involve actual stuff. It doesn’t get better than that!

20 comments:

Ronda's Rants said...

Those are great ideas! I hope you have a great time!!!

Unknown said...

That all sounds wonderful. We always keep "A Christmas Story" running throughout the day on Christmas. it's the modern day yule log.

Mama Wheaton said...

Those all sound like great ideas! Have a great time and a Merry Christmas.

Jane! said...

Shoot, looks like you're all set. I think our only tradition is... well... no, give me a minute...

Melanie Gillispie said...

No matter what you do, you'll shoot your eye out!

Henry the Dog said...

They sound like wonderful things to do and will keep your mind busy over a difficult period. I agree with Mel though, if you're anything like my mom you'll end up needing the tissues when you watch those holiday movies;)

J Cosmo Newbery said...

As for a Christmas stuffing, it sounds excellent.

Kendall said...

If we have the chance I'm pretty sure we're going to see Despereaux as well.

A Christmas Story and It's A Wonderful Life are must-haves.

Lee said...

What? No mistletoe?

Zuzana said...

Diane, happy to hear that "Grinchiness" is off the list.;))
Everything you plan on doing as a new Christmas tradition sounds lovely; there is a lot of variety and includes both something cosy, fun and significant.
I hope you guys will have fun.:)

Diane said...

Thanks guys... I am looking forward to doing them all... except for the shooting my eye out part. I've been shot by a Red Rider BB gun once in my life (and still bear the scar)... no desire to do it again.

And Lee, alas, there will be no mistletoe and no kissing. Mr. Kissy-face turned out to be a frog... as have they all... so far. Sigh.

mo.stoneskin said...

As long as the Grinch makes an appearance that sounds fabulous. Christmas is meaningless without a few Grinchy moments.

Anonymous said...

You are an awesome mom! That list sounds fantastic - my daughters can't wait to see Tale of Despereaux! A trip to a museum sounds perfect and I'm glad to hear Ryan is looking forward to helping out at the community center.

Way to go!!

Heather said...

Oooh what a good list!! You did an excellent job picking out a variety of things. I'm sort of jealous, I'm not gonna lie. I want to do those things too. :)

Shala said...

Every idea sounds amazing! I'm going to have to come up with some things for me and James to do. I would love to see the National Christmas Tree sometime, what an experience!

justsomethoughts... said...

I DEMAND MISTLETOE !!!!!

B said...

I seriously can not WAIT to go to that museum. I'm waiting until after christmas to do a ton of things related to site-seeing because I am pretty sure I'm getting a DSLR. heh.

Diane said...

Mo... the Grinch is never too far away.

Shanna... thanks!!!

Heather... you're welcome to join us anytime!!

Shala... I'm looking forward to it a lot... I love DC.

justsomethoughts... you bring the mistletoe, I'll bring the wine!

Deutlich... we go to DC every couple of months (we're just 2 hours away) and we've been dying for the AHM to reopen.

Jenners said...

That sounds fantastic!!! I think it is a wonderful and amazing start to some new traditions! I'm happy for you!!!

Amy McMean said...

thats a great list of things to do. See Christmas can be fun.