Just hear those sleigh bells ringing

What, not ready to hang that holiday wreath?  Come on, tell me you’ve started Christmas/Hanukkah shopping.

PSSST There are only 43 shopping days until Christmas.  Time to get your shit together.

Wait, let me turn down carols I have blaring, I can’t hear you.

What was that?  What’s all this about? I’ll tell ya. See, I was doing this NutsforNovelWriting insanity and lined up all these great writers to fill in for me this month.  I, of course, have recovered from that period of insanity (well, at least last week’s version) but I couldn’t just NOT let my friends post here. That would be unseemly, rude and well, sucky.

The only guideline I gave the writers for the Thursday posts was to NOT write about the same topic the previous week’s writer wrote about.

Confused yet? Yeah, me too.

Back to THIS week! My guest needs no introduction. She is a, well, I can’t say HUGE, she’s my friend, after all….okay, she’s bestest bloggy friend and you all know and love her.  (AND IF YOU DON’T, YOU WILL!) my bestie: Momma Kiss!

Hi.
MommaKiss here.
Has anyone EVER asked me why I’m called MommaKiss? No one? I mean, if you know me in real life, then you’d get it – pretty easy – but if not, sheesh, people must just think I’m a crazy lady kisser or something?
Tell me…what do you think about the whole “Kiss” part of MommaKiss?
Moving on.
So I half-assed introduced myself. There. Also there’s a bio on my site. Click that shit if you’re so inclined.
Today I thought I’d share a MommaKissMemory. Come along with me.
I mentioned somewhere that my favorite holiday is Halloween. I love it. A lot. But Christmas? Well. I get ALL emo and nostalgic at Christmas. My husband has imposed this rule upon me that I am not allowed to decorate until after Thanksgiving. I remember one year, my Momma was here, and I was standing at the base of the attic at midnight, when the clock turned to “the day after Thanksgiving” and we were allowed to start the festivities. I get SO INTO IT! I love arranging the manger that my husband’s grandfather made by hand. I hang the stockings *with care* because my Momma made them for me. My favorite Favorite FAVORITE thing to do, though, is to start a fire in the fireplace, turn off all of the lights except the Christmas tree and just sit. No music needed. No holiday movies on. I just stare at the tree.
Is that weird?
Maybe. It may be weird.
But here’s a little secret friends. When I’m looking at the tree? Sometimes I laugh about an ornament that I made when I was tiny. Sometimes I see the picture of my kid when he was 6 months old, dressed as a roly poly little santa. Sometimes? I talk to dead people. Ok, now you can call me weird. But I do. Some short conversations with grandparents I never met. With my father, who I honestly didn’t know that well. But mostly I talk to my little brother who died when he was 17. Entirely too young. I relive memories from when we were kids and Momma was working and in
school and we were on welfare – yet she always had presents under the tree for us. Socks, underwear, a 12 pack of soda – she wrapped them and we had gifts to open on Christmas. Those Christmas Eves we would sit together in our room and whisper about what sort of things we might find the next morning. We would wish for someone to come and sweep Momma off of her feet, to take care of all of us. We would scheme ways to make things and sell them and become billionaires and build a mansion for us to live in and Momma would have a maid and a cook and all the things she’s ever wanted.
So yah. I sit in front of a twinkly Christmas tree and chat away – wishing for things that just can’t be. Christmas tradition, I guess.
Still think I’m weird?

No Momma, I think you’re absolutely wonderful!  You nostalgic (and GORGEOUS) sap!

95 Responses to Just hear those sleigh bells ringing
  1. tayarra
    November 11, 2010 | 6:14 am

    I happen to think you are pretty great! I too love the house when it is completely dark with nothing but the tree lights on. I could sit and stare for hours. Last year before bed I would purposely just go hang out in the entry way if the living room soaking in the lights and the warmth throughout the house and thank God for letting me have “all this”! It’s an amazing feeling and I love this time of year because of it.

    • MommaKiss
      November 11, 2010 | 9:47 am

      T, I do that too – the thankfulness. ’tis the season to be humbled, isn’t it.

    • The Mad Woman behind the Blog
      November 11, 2010 | 4:44 pm

      She is pretty great, isn’t she? And not JUST because she reminds us to be grateful and humble.

  2. BeyondRepair
    November 11, 2010 | 8:26 am

    I’m still not sure how I found your blog it was like tripping in the middle of CVS cause you thought the red CVS on the carpet was something in the floor, but anyway rambling as always. I have to say I love your blog, so far they have made me smile and laugh and glad to see someone who uses everyday wording then most I’ve seen so far. Anyway I’m still reading past ones thought I would leave a comment on the most recent.

  3. Jennie @ Modern Mamaz
    November 11, 2010 | 8:33 am

    43 days until Christmas… you act like we’re cuttin’ it close! That leaves me with a whole 40 more days to start shopping… I’m SO on top of things this year!

    • MommaKiss
      November 11, 2010 | 9:48 am

      I’ve done some shopping. Online. ‘Twas fun, even tho I don’t remember what I bought.

    • The Mad Woman behind the Blog
      November 11, 2010 | 4:38 pm

      Oh hell. I told the family to start putting Christmas lists together a month ago. We’ll still be “shopping” until a week before but it’s all by mail. So yes, Thank you Christmas Baby Jesus from sparing me from the mall!

  4. Bethany
    November 11, 2010 | 8:34 am

    I think that because of what you do while staring at the tree, your husband should let you put it up now. Or yesterday.
    I always say that there is no Christmas music allowed until after Thanksgiving dinner, but when it started snowing here last week, I caved. How can you watch the flakes come down and not crank “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas….”
    And now I can’t stop.
    I think your Christmas tree staring sounds divine!

    • MommaKiss
      November 11, 2010 | 9:52 am

      I’m SO telling my husband that “the internet” told me I can put the tree up! And you know that I listen to the music all year, right? Usually I have headphones on. But it’s my happy place.

      • The Mad Woman behind the Blog
        November 11, 2010 | 4:39 pm

        Adonis, you hear that? “The internet” said so. Wonder how far I’ll get with that one?

        And yes, Christmas tree staring IS divine. Can’t wait to do some myself!

  5. Sherri
    November 11, 2010 | 8:35 am

    Oh MommaKiss…you’re the best! You know one of my favorite things to do is the same…lights out, tree all lit up, a few candles lit and silence. It’s just magical, and your mind goes all sorts of places.

    And your brother? So sad, and that IS way too young. Just a baby, really.

    • MommaKiss
      November 11, 2010 | 9:53 am

      YES, the candles, too! I have this candle that we lit at our wedding – My brother couldn’t be there as a groomsman, so his candle showed his light during the ceremony. I light that often – when I need a moment with him. Jeez, I’m bringing the sap today!

      • The Mad Woman behind the Blog
        November 11, 2010 | 4:41 pm

        Its the sap about you that we love. Well that and the snark and the wicked sense of humor, and your writing, your community building skills.
        Oh, and lets not forget about the little piggies!

  6. SurferWife
    November 11, 2010 | 8:37 am

    Meaning of MommaKiss: You’re obsessed with Gene Simmons and want to do the Forbidden Lambada with his tongue?

    Do I win?

    Also, I feel you on the nostalgia of Christmas. I, too, talk to the dead. Though it doesn’t take a holiday with spiked eggnog to get me rolling on a “I see dead people” tangent.

    • MommaKiss
      November 11, 2010 | 9:55 am

      Gene Simmons is GROSS, but the Forbidden Lambada – now that I can do any time. Who said I spiked my eggnog? Not me! Did I? That was a secret, dammit!

    • The Mad Woman behind the Blog
      November 11, 2010 | 4:42 pm

      Who said spiked eggnog? Do you deliver? Does it come w/ a cute delivery boy b/c now I can’t get Forbidden Lambada out of my head.

  7. magnolia
    November 11, 2010 | 8:38 am

    y’know, for an inveterate non-believer, i really like christmas way more than i should. i think it’s the lights and decorations everywhere. but i am pretty strict about keeping it after thanksgiving. (that could also be because, as a good southern girl, i love the hell out of thanksgiving – i get to show off my cooking for a small army tactics.)

    • MommaKiss
      November 11, 2010 | 9:56 am

      I think the spirit of it gets to a lot of people – you can love the “season” without believing in the “reason” – I get that. now this cooking tactic – share???

      • The Mad Woman behind the Blog
        November 11, 2010 | 4:43 pm

        Magnolia, you’re going to have to give up the goods on the cooking, you know that rignt?

        How can you not love Christmas? I don’t have to believe in Santa to love the Macy’s windows!

  8. liz
    November 11, 2010 | 8:38 am

    You are always so hardcore; it’s nice to see the ‘tender’ side of MommaKiss.

    Oh, and since i know the answer to the question posed, I will refrain from guessing.

    • MommaKiss
      November 11, 2010 | 9:56 am

      Hardcore. Yep. That’s me. Thanks for not spilling my kissy-ness. You’re a good secret keeper.

      • The Mad Woman behind the Blog
        November 11, 2010 | 4:46 pm

        Liz, you are the keeper of secrets, aren’t ya? But you know you could have answered if you thought MK was weird. Which of course she is, as we all are!

        Me love me some MK, hard, sap, tender, any way I can get her!

  9. Cheryl @ Mommypants
    November 11, 2010 | 8:42 am

    That quiet is just a different sort of quiet than any other. And I’m glad you have sweet memories of your brother.

    • MommaKiss
      November 11, 2010 | 10:00 am

      It’s the best kind of quiet. Seriously.

    • The Mad Woman behind the Blog
      November 11, 2010 | 4:48 pm

      So this calm, this peace, the quiet….will it inspire a New Year’s resolution to find that in our day to day lives? Or maybe once a week? I could use a little quiet from time to time.

      Though for me it may require a lobotomy.

  10. Lori @ In Pursuit of Martha Points
    November 11, 2010 | 8:44 am

    I, too, do the “turn off all the lights and just stare at the tree in the quiet” thing.

    Except, I didn’t realize it was a thing. It just…was.

    But I never spoke to anyone.

    Maybe this year I will.

    • MommaKiss
      November 11, 2010 | 10:02 am

      The lights thing – I’m glad it’s not just my “thing” – gets me right in my cold heart. The talking? Give it a whirl. I recommend that you do it after the kids are in bed, though – they def think I’m weird.

    • The Mad Woman behind the Blog
      November 11, 2010 | 4:50 pm

      Oh Lori, I do hope you do. You have a special someone this year to talk to, and I’m sorry. I’ve got some panties to pack to take for Christmas and will be thinking of you, Kay and those special surrogate mothers in my life.

      Readers, hop over to Lori’s blog and read all about it. Be sure to bring your tissues.

  11. Val
    November 11, 2010 | 8:47 am

    MK – I luff u. And I know why the kiss. Because you love to make out duh!!

    I want to see your Christmas. You make it sound so warm and happy.

    But I can’t listen to Christmas music until December. Just can’t do it.

    • MommaKiss
      November 11, 2010 | 10:03 am

      Do you want to see my Christmas? Do Ya?? How about this year??? :p Luff you more, HoHo.

    • The Mad Woman behind the Blog
      November 11, 2010 | 4:52 pm

      Break it up you two. This isn’t your make out room, you know. And Val, if you know, wanna make out w/ me, the commute isn’t as far!

  12. Beth@A2Z
    November 11, 2010 | 8:47 am

    Nope. Not weird at all. You just have a sentimental side that is beautiful to see when you let your guard down. Thanks for being brave enough to share that part of yourself along with all the sass. Beautiful post!

    • MommaKiss
      November 11, 2010 | 10:06 am

      I do have a sappy side, I know it. But the sass usually takes over.

    • The Mad Woman behind the Blog
      November 11, 2010 | 4:52 pm

      That MK is truly a kindred spirit, isn’t she, Beth?

  13. Kimberly
    November 11, 2010 | 8:55 am

    Oh MommaK….love this post. I too sit and stare at the Christmas tree even when it’s still standing in my living room in the middle of May because I was too lazy to take it down…kidding…my husband is the grinch and makes me take it down the day after New Years.
    But I love just sitting there and remembering all Christmases past when my dysfunctional family would put all name calling, punches and hate aside to just be a real family because that’s what baby Jesus would have wanted.
    Love you Momma

    • MommaKiss
      November 11, 2010 | 10:08 am

      Oh I love when I can bring the LOVE from y’all! LOVE! [i just said love a lot. Sorry] If we didn’t have a live tree, I’m pretty sure I’d have it up way longer. Not to mention, I live far far from family, so we’re not typically all together for the holiday. Which makes me miss them – but we also avoid the dysFUNction.

    • The Mad Woman behind the Blog
      November 11, 2010 | 4:56 pm

      That Momma, she’s a lover! And ugh, dysfunctional families. Another reason I moved as far away from home as I could. Now I can save my dysfunction for facebook and postcards.

  14. Donna
    November 11, 2010 | 8:56 am

    I think that is cool that you have a conversation with people that are no longer here. And I certainly do not think that you are weird. You are awesome

    • MommaKiss
      November 11, 2010 | 10:08 am

      I do it kinda a lot. I try to make sure I’m alone, though. Thank you friend.

  15. KLZ
    November 11, 2010 | 8:59 am

    I still like to put my head under the tree and stare up into the lights. Like a psycho.

    • MommaKiss
      November 11, 2010 | 10:09 am

      Oh, I love doing that. Wanna know what else I do? I put my left hand real close to the tree. The sparkly lights make my engagement ring look wicked shiny.

      • The Mad Woman behind the Blog
        November 11, 2010 | 4:57 pm

        Okay, now I’m seeing the weird. Though I do get distracted by shiny things…its why I don’t wear frosted nail polish on my fingernails.

  16. MommaKiss
    November 11, 2010 | 8:59 am

    Thank you friends. And Surferwife? NO – it has nothing to do with Gene Simmons. *hurl

    Everyone – the thing is? I have some schmoopy moments in me, don’t I? I just tend to hold them wicked close. Until I feel the need to tell the world, apparently.

    Thanks for letting me take over your space today, Mad’s Mom. You’re my luuuuuurver.

  17. Alexandra
    November 11, 2010 | 9:04 am

    This is why people all over the US and Canada love you.

    Not a fake bone in your body.

    Why can’t Imeet people like you in this town???

    I think people need to start wearing signs, ” I AM REAL”tino

    • MommaKiss
      November 11, 2010 | 9:11 am

      US and Canada?

      NOT Norway? Not Iceland? Not China???? THE HELL???

      [I need to reply to each one of you. I’m do that, Mad’s Mom, Can I?

    • The Mad Woman behind the Blog
      November 11, 2010 | 5:01 pm

      Alexandra, I’m so surprised. You are the best friend of the interwebs…I see your influence everywhere. How does that not translate to IRL?
      Maybe you need a shirt w/ your blog address on it…then everyone could know how fabulous you are!

  18. Alexandra
    November 11, 2010 | 9:04 am

    ooops,,sorry, x out the “tino” but keep the “I am real.”

    xo

  19. MommyNaniBooboo
    November 11, 2010 | 9:08 am

    Oh you are the best weird ever, MommaKiss. Why ya gotta go and make me all sniffly? This will be our first Christmas where everyone’s coming TO US. we will have tree. I think I will sit in front of it a lot.

    • MommaKiss
      November 11, 2010 | 10:10 am

      Good luck with your first major gathering. Here. Have a tissue.

    • The Mad Woman behind the Blog
      November 11, 2010 | 5:06 pm

      Oh yeah, best of luck w/ the first big hosting gig. I’m crossing my fingers, being one of the youngest in my family that it’ll never be me.
      More power to ya!

  20. Shell
    November 11, 2010 | 9:09 am

    I know! I know! I know why you are Momma Kiss! :) I’m cool like that.

    I love the peace of a room lit just by a Christmas tree.

    • MommaKiss
      November 11, 2010 | 10:11 am

      It really can light up the whole room, can’t it! Now listen, please don’t tell people that I kiss you. Oops. :p

      • The Mad Woman behind the Blog
        November 11, 2010 | 5:08 pm

        I’m confused. Do you kiss that symbol? B/C Shell doesn’t appear to have a mouth! Is it warm and soft? Hard and cold?
        Sorry Shell, inquiring minds want to know!

        BTW, you know MK and I touched butts, right?

  21. John
    November 11, 2010 | 9:10 am

    Sorry, gotta do a long comment in order to get to how Momma is far from crazy.

    When I was growing up, my dad’s side of the family always got together a few days after Christmas. There were simply too many people traveling about too many families to have everybody together on Christmas day – but a day or two after? It was like Christmas day all over again. My grandfather would take us all out to some real fancy restaurant, we’d eat until we were absolutely stuffed, and then everybody would head to my house for post-dinner festivities.

    My dad would play piano and everybody would sing Christmas carols – three shy children were always forced to sing the parts of the 3 Kings, each of the 12 Days were assigned to individuals and we’d sing the carol “Muppet Style.” Hours would pass with presents, merriment, music.

    One of the last years we did this (my grandfather died my sophomore year of college, and my parents entered splittsville soon after), my grandfather’s cousin (who was always invited to any family gathering) commented on the tree – how she always loved coming over to the Casa de Batzer because she loved our tree – how you could look at it from any angle and see it a different way, and that you could go up to any ornament and get a full story about why it’s there. It might be “oh, so & so gave that to us,” or it might be a story how “Johnny (yeah, my family still calls me Johnny) picked this out at a craft fair in kindergarten,” or “a picture frame broke when the kids were running about the house, but it kind of splintered like a Santa, so we cut it out and went with it.”

    Until then, I always hated setting up the tree – it was tedious, my mom would get all pissy if you didn’t put ornaments all around (even in places where you’d have to look for ornaments there in order to see them because it’s in a corner or something), there was football that I’d rather be watching . . . you know, the perils of a teenage boy.

    I guess it’s only fitting that Beverly made that comment during the last big gathering. Now, I take pride in setting up the tree at my own family’s house. I make sure that ornaments are hung everywhere, so that the tree will look different from any angle. The first thing I do when the tree is set up is sit on the piano bench, play a few carols and look at the tree. I swear, I hear Uncle Chip singing “Two Turtle Doves” (he always demanded that verse because he wouldn’t forget it – later on in the song, it might be “seven whatchamacallits”). I hear Beverly commenting on her last tennis match (she played her last game about six months before she passed away at the age of 92). I feel the excitement I felt opening a present from Aunt Laura (who was the youngest of my dad’s siblings and never married, so she always gave the cool presents). I can see my grandfather, sitting in a corner, smiling.

    Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, but Christmas certainly brings me some good vibes. So, if Momma is crazy for her Christmas tree setup, well then, so am I.

    • MommaKiss
      November 11, 2010 | 10:12 am

      Love this story, Johnny. Can just picture you playing the piano. Wish we had one, actually. Happy Christmas!

  22. Pop
    November 11, 2010 | 9:40 am

    Damn, Nordic Princess. You sure have a way with tugging these here heart strings.

    • MommaKiss
      November 11, 2010 | 10:12 am

      At least it’s not my hair I’m tugging. Not any more I mean. Signed, Moses [sorry people, that's a twitter joke]

  23. Poppy
    November 11, 2010 | 9:53 am

    You are totally weird, but not for that. And I just loves you to pieces. You are infectious, but not like herpes. You are so damn likeable.

    • MommaKiss
      November 11, 2010 | 10:13 am

      I really am kinda likable. [NOT lickable. Well, wait, maybe.]

      Don’t you wish you could come and be infected by me?

      • The Mad Woman behind the Blog
        November 11, 2010 | 5:10 pm

        Seriously MK, you need to get a room! And Poppy, yeah. both of you. A room. And yes my bedroom is fine, since you’ve both been there before.

  24. moooooog35
    November 11, 2010 | 9:57 am

    Touching.

    Myself.

    • MommaKiss
      November 11, 2010 | 10:14 am

      Barfing. On you.

  25. Ashley @ Just Another Mom of 2
    November 11, 2010 | 10:09 am

    I do the tree thing too!! Holidays have always meant the world to me, and Christmas is my favorite time of year. Even when I move my family to the flippin arctic. But still. I’ll still sit in silence with my gorgeous tree (always real, we don’t do that fake business), a fire going and mug of hot chocolate (okay, who are we kidding, wine) in hand. Perfection. As is this post- I hope you share it with your mom. Beautiful <3

  26. MommaKiss
    November 11, 2010 | 10:17 am

    Know what? I’m right now taking out any blog references and sending to my Momma [i'm anon, remember? :p] I think that when you’re in the arctic it’ll be ever better. A sign of ‘normalcy’ for everyone. We get a live tree, too – and have this 13 year old fake charlie brown tree that goes in Manland.

  27. MoFo
    November 11, 2010 | 10:30 am

    Surely you can get the Mr. to rethink his after Thanksgiving rule just by promising to decorate in that special article of clothing.

    As an added bonus I’ll even help ya string the lights in my matchy matchy :)

    I’m pretty sure my Mr. would go for it. Just sayin’.

    • MommaKiss
      November 11, 2010 | 10:45 am

      Oh My GAWD, MO. You know he already loves the triple Fs. He would SO be in for this situation. SO.
      Thanks honey.

  28. Diane
    November 11, 2010 | 10:51 am

    Ah, I do that too. Just sit and stare at my beautiful tree. LOVE my Christmas ornaments! I collect them throughout the year and each and every one has some sentimental value or a memory to go along with it.
    I’ve been known to talk to dead people too and dead pets. So, I don’t think you’re weird at all, MommaKiss. Or maybe we’re both weird but who cares?
    And I don’t think I’ve read your bio. I need to go check it out. Every time I see your name though, I think of when my kids were really little and I’d say, “Give momma kiss!”
    Okay, going to read your bio now.

    • MommaKiss
      November 11, 2010 | 11:45 am

      You’re always right there with me aren’t you? So yes, let’s be weird together. I don’t mean that in a kinky way. Mostly. And jeez, now I hope my bio is all it’s cracked up to be!

  29. The Zany Housewife
    November 11, 2010 | 11:49 am

    I have a new appreciation for Christmas trees now. We had a tree maybe twice when I was growing up. I used to get excited if I got a jar of my favorite pickles as a present. An attorney I worked with used to call me ‘pickle’ over my obsession. Since then, I have a few pickle ornaments. Now that I’m an adult I get a tree every year.

    I don’t do too well around this time of year. My brother died on Thanksgiving when he was sixteen and Christmas was a holiday I loved to spend with my grandmother. I try to see it through my kid’s eyes and it helps me pull through.

    You HAD to remind me how many days are left didn’t you? I haven’t bought or made a damn thing. Dag nab it.

    • MommaKiss
      November 11, 2010 | 2:40 pm

      Zany, I had no idea we had that in common. A sibling who died too young. It’s not a group you want to be in, is it. Oh, we have that pickle ornament. The one where someone hides it and everyone else tries to find it? You have good luck or something? You pickle you!

  30. Truthful Mommy
    November 11, 2010 | 12:17 pm

    MOmmakiss is quite special.I don’t think you are weird. I do the same thing. I think it goes back to my childhood and not having a lot of money or stuff either, but there were always presents and loads of dreams. Dreams of all the stuff we wish Santa would /could/should bring…like fancy houses, new cars, new clothes, the cool shoes, and the newest toy that we knew in our hearts Santa didn;’t have enough money to buy.The tree was always decorated with tinsel and colored lights and what ever craft we 6 children had made @ school. It was meek but it was mighty. The love overflowed and that’s what Christmas reminds me of, time spent together with family.I’m putting my tree up this weekend..aren’t you jealous. SIlly husband trying to limit the Christmas love…Im also having some eggnog!YummO!

    • MommaKiss
      November 11, 2010 | 2:41 pm

      This WEEKEND?? I am jealous. My husband is clearly silly. You get me woman – the time with families and memories…Sigh :)

  31. sherri/the claw
    November 11, 2010 | 12:53 pm

    I love to stare at the tree in the dark, too. My bday is Dec. 1 and I use that as my excuse to be allowed to decorate so early. LOVE it. love this post, too. Sorry to hear your brother left you so young, but sounds as if you have some nice memories of him. Your mama sounds like a helluva woman, too.

    • MommaKiss
      November 11, 2010 | 2:42 pm

      My Momma, well, she’s my hero, hands down! Dec 1 (noted…).

  32. tulpen
    November 11, 2010 | 2:21 pm

    The day after Thanksgiving, I don’t get dressed. I drag ALL the decorations down from the attic and Christmas up the whole house. I eat a lot. I start drinking early. It my second favorite day next to Christmas Eve.

    Between the day the tree goes up and the BIG DAY, we sit in front of it, lights on, fire place going and just stare. Fucking Magical I tell ya.

    You’re not weird. If you weren’t weird, it would be weird. That sound weird?

    I talk to Dead people all the time. I know a LOT of Dead people. And added another to the list today… RIP Betty, you were a hot shit.

    Oh. And I love you.

  33. MommaKiss
    November 11, 2010 | 2:43 pm

    Um, Miss Tulpen, you decorate naked? Is this what you’re saying to me???

    I like your Fucking Magic, you weirdo. And love you too.

  34. themombshell
    November 11, 2010 | 4:10 pm

    I’ve just phoned my mother and informed her she will not be referred to as Momma. Also I love the youishness in this post.

    • themombshell
      November 11, 2010 | 4:12 pm

      I meant now, not not, now. geessh I need some sleep. Also Mad Woman has some nice boobs, so the typo was probably because I was distracted.

      • mommakiss
        November 11, 2010 | 8:02 pm

        I’m going to be sad when my kids stop using Momma. I’ve used it forever for my own Momma…but I think boys are different – they’ll probably switch to Ma or some such. “youishness”
        That. Is. Fabulous.

  35. Ashley
    November 11, 2010 | 4:40 pm

    Momma, you are So Not weird.. because if you were than I don’t know what they’d call me, lol.
    The Talking to dead people bit? I do it myself, most often to my mom than anyone else.

    The tree? Well.. I’m gonna have to come and visit y’all with houses because this year I’m thinking of going with a fake tree, besides the fact that there’s some unseen force in this apartment that sucks every bit of moisture out of a live tree in 3 days flat, I’m still finding pine needles from last Christmas’ disaster of a tree. My apartment is tiny, so decorating is usually just the tree and the stockings go up on the wall.

    I miss having a “normal” apartment..with, ya know.. a living room and space. my “living room” space here is my kid’s room… I got the room with the door because since I pay the bills, I get the privacy.

    • mommakiss
      November 11, 2010 | 8:03 pm

      Ash, your living sitch – if I had one wish for you this year it would be to get you out of that place. You and your boy :)

  36. Joey @ Big Teeth & Clouds
    November 11, 2010 | 5:38 pm

    Christmas does bring out the nostalgia. I can’t say I’ve ever talked to dead people, but I do like to bask in the glow of that Christmas tree. My husband wants to put it up now. We get very excited, but hold it back a little so I’m not totally sick of the festivities by Jan. 1.

    • mommakiss
      November 11, 2010 | 8:04 pm

      Christmas and Church. Gets me every time. You’re right about running out of ‘spirit’ too soon…good point.

  37. gigi
    November 11, 2010 | 6:18 pm

    I sit in the dark with just the tree lit too. I call it “Christmas Haven.” Although I like Xmas music playing when I do it. And a glass of mulled wine.

    I love your memory moments!!!

    • mommakiss
      November 11, 2010 | 8:05 pm

      Gigi, a Christmas Haven. That’s delightful. You’re making me all schmoopy again!

  38. Booyah's Momma
    November 11, 2010 | 8:22 pm

    This post was beautiful. And heart tugging. And sweet.

    But definitely, definitely not weird. Loved this.

    • MommaKiss
      November 12, 2010 | 9:55 am

      That is so kind. I actually like heart tugging :) [but PLEASE, don't tell!]

  39. Morgan B.
    November 11, 2010 | 8:43 pm

    Just between you and me? I have to fight the urge to play Christmas carols in July. Don’t tell anyone, okay?

    Your story warmed my heart.

    Thanks.

    • MommaKiss
      November 12, 2010 | 7:20 am

      Morgan – that can stay between you and me because I do the same thing! But me? I don’t fight it. The music takes me to my happy place. I listen all year long. I can *usually* refrain from singing out loud. Usually.

  40. L. Eleana
    November 12, 2010 | 10:44 pm

    I love this post! I can stare a my tree for hours, with only the Christmas lights on (no music). Just daydreaming about life, Christmas as a child, my grandma, and the list goes on. Thank you for writing this.

  41. The Flying Chalupa
    November 13, 2010 | 6:50 am

    Sitting in the dark with the xmas tree lights on – one of my favorite things to do as well. In fact, when I was younger, my brother and sister and I would get our sleeping bags and sleep under the Christmas tree for pretty much all of December and fall asleep looking at the lights and dreaming about presents and feeling peaceful. Can’t wait ’til my son can do the same! YAY CHRISTMAS! Great post MommaKiss!

  42. annie
    November 14, 2010 | 9:25 pm

    Well now you made me all choked up and I have to listen to Sufjan Stevens sing O Come O Come Emmanuel! Best christmas song – even acceptable if you do decide you want music in the dark with your twinkling lights and a warm body next to you!

  43. [...] and made us all a little tearful, maybe homesick and definitely put us in the holiday spirit.  Thursday also brought my comments to my blog than I’ve EVER had, so thank you Momma!  And thank you [...]

  44. kris
    November 16, 2010 | 10:04 am

    Late to the party, but that never stops me.

    Christmas tree, twinkling lights, in the dark. My favorite part of Christmas, hands-down. It is so calming and soothing. And yes, I always think of Christmases past . . . of the people who are no longer in my life.

    And of the versions of me who have collected the ornaments that hang on my tree.

    So sappy. And lovely.

    But it is way too early to start thinking about Christmas, people. Way too early.

    There are months and months until Christmas.

    What?

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