The Best Time of Year

Godfather

*drools* Can't wait to start snowboarding again... it's this time of year that I kick myself for going to a school based on the program instead of proximity to Vancouver's three mountains and Whistler being an hour and a half from home Damn...

Noodles

I both board and ski. My daughter likes to board so when I take her I break out the Burton.

Godfather

I've boarded since I was 11, but I tried skiing for the first time last year.... I really enjoyed it, and maybe it's cus I've always ice skated but I found it was pretty quick to pick up.

Noodles

I can see that transition.

I go a lot faster when I am on skis. With boards it is more fun to carve up the slopes.

Sp00k

Skiing and ice skating are things I've never tried and always wondered what it would be like. Its the magical image of the community gathering around a frozen lake in the movies and Christmas cards.
In reality it wouldn't happen because of the safety aspects though there are those who risk life and limb trying it.

Lisey

Never tried either, Sp00k. Some day.

Sp00k

I would probably fall flat on my arse.

Well in the festive spirit we are going shopping today to get the kids pressies. We will definitely be prudent but they will get something of merit and value.

Godfather

I've heard a statistic that 100% of people over 50 who try snowboarding for the first time get some kind of injury


My parents asked for a Christmas list.... I put a few things on it but really there's nothing I actually need. A few years ago my aunt and uncle and their kids gave half of the money they were going to spend on each other away to charity, and the next year we copied them and did the same. Kinda wish we'd done that this year before everyone started shoping

Sp00k

I can understand the principle of Christmas but I don't agree with the full blown commercialism side of it. Its way too much for some parents to handle and kids always want something that's way out of a family budget and of course one present isn't good enough for some kids.

We all want what's best for our children but I will not over indulge just to appease them. Of course I will spoil them on rare occasions but I think I've brought my kids up to understand the difference between "want and need". Also having materialistic things is merely a cushion to what is a necessary in life.

I have bought all the kids (4) one present each nothing too expensive and something that they will cherish...I hope.

Now I hear all you saying Bah Humbug!

Lisey

Not at all Sp00k...wouldn't say that.

I go out of my way to find gifts, not too expensive, that make the receiver smile. If I've accomplished that I'm happy. I love that look of appreciation. I don't stress too much and have fun with the gift giving.

Unfortunately the kids in my family just want $$ or gift certificates...they're 10 and 12. Sigh. Nothing fun.

Godfather

10 and 12 and wanting gift certs? That's a bummer... think I still enjoyed the whole ordeal of tearing off wrapping paper until I was quite a bit older than 12.

Lisey

I still enjoy tearing open gifts.

Just bought a 4.5 foot fake already lit tree. The first time since I've lived by myself I've ever bought a tree...(2x I bought itty bitty already decorated ones)

My friends are coming over tomorrow night to help me decorate. They know I get a little sad at this time of year so they've decided to make it a happy thing. I'm excited for the first time in many years to decorate.

So while I get G's points on Christmas time...I'm happy for it. The pizza, beer, and cookie making while we decorate won't hurt either.