Christmas in the south

It is only September, yet I find myself thinking about Christmas. I love Christmas - family time, the lights, the meaning, the music, the traditions, decorations. A few things in particular: namely, Christmas cards, Christmas china, and buying a new Christmas wreath. I bought a book last weekend in "land-o-hell" (see previous post) that talked about the strange ways we southerners like to go to extremes when it comes to Christmas. "When you can't deep fry it, spray paint it gold". Interesting concept, no doubt.

Anyway, I have already begun the process of mentally preparing for my Christmas to-do lists. "But Heather, don't stress. 'Tis the season!" - you may be saying to yourself. No fret, readers: This does not stress me out. I long for the day when I can throw magnificent dinner parties for any and all occasions. I shall use matching serving pieces and only the best napkin rings. In the present, however, I shall focus my attention on things at hand: our Christmas card picture.

It is an unspoken rule, I suppose, that one should wait until they have children to send out such Christmas faux-pas'. I laugh at such a rule. What are the three of us going to wear? (You didn't think I would leave Sophie out, did you?) One faux-pas that I promise to avoid is the whole "What have the Skaggs' been doing this year?" letter/card combo. No offense, please, to those readers (which I can only hope is world-wide by now) who do these things. But for me, personally, I would rather post my life's happenings for all the world to see than type it out on Christmas-sy stationary highlighting our accomplishments and goals.

With that said, I do love a good Christmas photo-card. Props to The Butts, who sent out Christmas cards with a picture of them holding up Christmas messages. Job well done, Trish.Can't wait to see what Christmas 2K7 brings.

As I mention my thoughts of possible Christmas photo locations to my husband, his eyes began to light up.

"No need to plan to take a picture: I already have one I want to use." - says he.

At this point he walks over to the desk and pulls out the following picture:
Ladies and gentlemen, this is the picture my dear husband would like to use for our Christmas card. Trey often says that God put the two of us together because He has a sense of humor. I hate all things gun and camo. Bring me the diamonds and pearls.

I have been in camo twice in my lifetime - once for a sawp in college and once on a hunting trip with the husband, thus resulting in this infamous photo. I suppose I could have smiled, but orange is really not my color: didn't see too much to smile about. I do love Trey's big fat grin in this picture.

I really wanted Sophie in the christmas card. Maybe I can photoshop her in on Trey's left shoulder, perched as though about to pounce. I don't know. Your opinion is valued.