While Visions of Sugar Plums Dance in My Head

Help! I can't quit eating!

The Mr. and I started out the month by doing a cleanse. After the cleanse I figured it would be easier to just keep eating well, and avoid sugar all together, instead of trying to pace myself with all the Christmas treats. Things were going really well, and I wasn't even missing the sugar.

I had told myself right from the beginning of the month that I would allow myself to have a piece of dessert on Christmas Eve, and then again on Christmas Day. But after that I'd go back to proper eating. Hah!!!

Once I tasted that first "forbidden fruit" I was hooked. It's as if I felt like since I'd been naughty once, I might as well keep it up. (I'm sure there's an analogy there somewhere!) One thing led to another:

Chocolates

Peanut Brittle

Shortbread

Caramel Popcorn

Fudge

It's like I've turned into my own Fat Booth picture.

Dixie

Ready for Christmas

"Are you ready for Christmas?" In the past couple of weeks I've been asked that question more times than I can count.

"Are you ready for Christmas?" What does that really mean? I assume it's supposed to mean, "Have you finished your Christmas shopping and baking?" If that's what is meant, then sadly I have to answer "no".

The past two evenings, however, have provided a different meaning:

• On Saturday night we attended our church Christmas party, where the cultural hall was perfectly decorated to resemble the ancient city of Bethlehem. Everyone came in biblical attire and participated in an open-air market, using pouches of gold to make our purchases. Later Mary and Joseph arrived to pay their taxes with the rest of us. Although they were not able to obtain lodging, they were told they could stay in the stable with the animals. There we witnessed Mary bring forth her first-born child, the Lord Jesus Christ. Music and narration was presented to retell the birth of our Saviour. Daughter #3 played the role of Mary, so it made it all the more special for me.
• On Sunday evening we attended our Stake Christmas concert. Although the choir selections were far from perfect, there was a sweet spirit that attended the performances and spoken word. It set the perfect tone for my Christmas celebrations.

Am I ready for Christmas? I am now.

Dixie