It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

"I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. ~Charles Dickens"

I have decided it is time to get in the Christmas spirit. I see little twinkles of good here and there - mixed in with that oh-too-familiar stress of wrapping up yet another year.

Most of the angst I have experienced (believe it or not) is coming from the work arena. Our fundraisers are a bit on edge this time of year - hustling to pull in the big sponsors for our events in the upcoming season. In turn, they project their anxiety onto the Health Strategies team.. and all we can do is take it.

Luckily, today should be a good day. Our office is having their Holiday Party (we say Holiday b/c it is politically correct - so we do not offend, however the entire office is Christian... soooo... ) I am going to a Christmas party. ;-) It is going to be at our VP's home .. everyone is to bring a dish and a small gift.

I went to World Market last night searching for the perfect gift. I ended up going with a really cool coffee mug with a picture of Einstein on it holding a cup of coffee  (and on that mug are the words - "I (then you see a heart) coffee.) I picked up a small package of the fireside blend of coffee, two hot cocoa packets and one bar of dark chocolate with sea salt. I put it all in this super cool bag I found there. I figure it is gender neutral.

After that party, I have to head downtown to another party. This time it is at one of my media sponsor's - B Metro magazine. I am looking forward to seeing all of them. 

I think in other words - it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. 

FINALLY.

Technically I have to work Monday, but it only involves a meeting at J. Alexander's with one of our local TV station execs to discuss one of our contracts. Then there will be a conference call about our media advocacy plan... after that VACATION.

I was hoping to go home early, but the egyptian has to work. I certainly hope I am not hitting the road on Christmas Eve. I will be ANGRY about that one. 5 hours around 4pm is NOT cool.

But before I assume the worse, I am putting on my holiday spirit. Looking for a little compassion today, because I have certainly not been feeling the love and hoping for the best.

It is a choice, right?