A Little Christmasy

You know it's Christmas time when Starbucks brings out their Toffee Nut and  Gingerbread lataes. You know it's Christmas when there are gigantic inflatable snowmen in the mall and decorated trees everywhere. You know it's Christmas time when...well, when things feel that little bit warmer and magical.
 I know Christmas is a favourite time of year for a lot of people and I am no exception. I just love it. It's that time of year when I feel like the magic of being a little kid is everywhere and according to social norms, it's okay to be a bit child-like. Sure shopping and preparing can be stressful if you let it, but for me, it's all just a lot of fun. The Christmas festivities haven't completely kicked off in our house, but we're getting there.
First of all, Carmen and I went Christmas window shopping on Monday. I had a few things on my list that I wanted to price check and so instead of trying to price check and buy all on the same day, which can be stressful, we've turned the whole experience into a two parter. Who knows, maybe we'll need three days; complete with Toffee nut from Starbucks. I can't say what I was browsing for because it was for Mr. K and I think he reads this blog from time to time, but I can say that I was quite happy with what I found. Carmen even had the forethought to bring a pen and paper and she wrote down the store's name, product and price. Go, go organisation!
Mr. K and I have already attempted to decorate, but were thwarted by the strings of Christmas lights we purchased for the front window of our flat. We tried to put them up with some very, cheap non-sticky tape. This means a trip out for some heavy duty tape and another attempt in our future. We also bought "Merry Christmas" garland to put up with the lights, but we didn't even bother with that when we discovered we didn't have the right hanging stuff for the lights.
As for music, I've been playing carols  when I clean, shower and pretty much every other activity. The little local cafe that we go to all of the time is having a sing along evening and Mr. K is going to play the guitar, I'm singing and one of our friend's is playing the bass. Last night was a quick run through of some carols for Mr. K and I.. We've never played/sang together before and I have to say that it was quite enjoyable. I think we need more practice though and I definitely need to figure out my lyrics.
We're trying to figure out the dogs' role in all of this. I suggested Roscoe should go to the cafe as a reindeer, Otis as Santa Claus and Hermione as the Sugar Plumb Fairy...or an elf.
Tomorrow night kicks off the festive season in Edinburgh and we're going to the Light Night which is apparently a big deal. We didn't go last year and so I am quite excited. It's basically when all of the city's Christmas lights are turned on, or at least that is what I can figure from the website. There is music and entertainment as well. Also, it means that the big German Christmas market opens Friday as well as the gigantic skating rink that is below the castle and the giant ferris wheel that shows the riders a spectacular view of the city; or so I'm told. ;)
So, things are, as you can see, slowly becoming Christmasy. The dogs' presents from Grandma and Grandpa have already arrived and just need to be wrapped. One of Mr. K's gifts arrived as well and I have a few small purchases for my parents. Mr. K and I were talking about putting up our little tree tonight and the various other small ornaments. Our singing bathroom snowman is already on his perch on the back of the toilet. Instead of holding a broom he is carrying a plunger and when someone walks in he sings "ho, ho ho, who's gotta go" to the "Up on the Roof Top" song. A great gift from my parents last year and a brilliant addition to any Christmas decor. We still have to get the dogs' gifts from us, but there is still time.
Last year's Christmas was different with Mr. K and I being on our own and I am really looking forward to sharing this Christmas season with Mr. K, our fuzzy family members and my parents. In fact, just thinking about it makes me a little giddy.
Did I mention Christmas may bring out the child in me?