A Very Merry Christmas

Although not quite Christmas, I have certainly been in the spirit for weeks now. True to form, I had the tree up prior to Thanksgiving (which I know to many is a no-no, but I just couldn't help myself). If I could, I'd probably leave it up year round, not because I'm lazy, but because Christmas brings back some of my very best childhood memories, specifically at 525 W. Joliet Street. Anyway, here she is...

As you may be able to tell, I've got a couple of light strands that don't seem to want to work this year, and I can't seem to find the culprits. I've gotten use out of this one for a few years now, so it could be her last. The white has certainly been pleasant, especially living in the desert. Aside from the incredible trip to Montreal that I'll write about shortly, snow is just not a thing I experience during the holiday season, so the white has served a great purpose.

Before I continue onto the trip, one of the firsts for me this holiday season was chopping a real Christmas tree. Believe it or not, Arizona is full of them, which only requires driving a couple of hours up north. Here I am in Heber, Arizona, cutting a tree (and using an ax) for the very first time.

Success!

Anyway, Heber served two other fantastic purposes. One: It was a great opportunity for Alfredo and I to get our annual Christmas photos, and now that my card has officially been mailed, here's the photo I selected...

(He's just so handsome I can barely stand it)

And two: I actually spent some time collecting a whole bunch of pine cones to create a pinterest idea that I saw. Although the pine cones aren't the typical fat pine cones, they're unique looking, so we'll see how that project turns out when I get around to it. Despite my ridiculous number of "pins" on pinterest, I think this will be the second pin I've tried. Hey, gotta start somewhere.

Anyway, referring back to my memories on W. Joliet St., I received the very best gift ever this year, my grandma.

Now living back in Montreal, I don't see her much. She is the most incredible person I know, and I can't think of a better way to end the year than having spent time with her, as well as in Montreal, which happens to be one of my very favorite cities. I guess I didn't really need the white Christmas tree this year, because Montreal had plenty of snow. I loved every minute of it.

And not that I'm some sort of bragger by any means of the imagination, but this has to be one of the best pictures I have ever taken. Let's give all of the credit to Mother Nature. Impeccable. 

I actually wish I would've taken this with an actual camera as opposed to my cheap, outdated iPhone 4s. If so, I'd turn it into a canvas.

All in all, the trip was fantastic and just what I needed to recharge. I even met some of grandma's side of the family, which was fabulous. It does feel good being back in the states, and even better that all of my Christmas shopping is complete. Even Alfredo knows I've been shopping, as he's already spotted some of his Christmas presents.

This snowman didn't have a chance. 

Let's hope my pine cone pinterest project pans out. Until next time! Merry Christmas!