It's all over for another year!

I always breathe a sigh of relief when I make it through another Christmas, even though I do enjoy aspects of the holiday. But come Boxing Day, it's pretty much all over for me, mentally. I actually packed away the decorations--including the tree--this afternoon. That's early, even for me, but I was in the mood to tidy up and get back to normal. Plus I've had everything out and up for a month or more already and enough's enough.

"Santa" was good to me, though didn't bring me either of the two things I really wanted (a lottery win and/or the neighbour's unit up for sale--lol). However, the neighbours did go to the grandmother's last Sunday AM, and while the father was here Monday and part of Tuesday for work, I don't think the mother was. So I've had a peaceful few days and am grateful for it. I figure he'll be back tonight for work tomorrow, not sure about the rest of his "loving" family.

The "boys" bought me a few things and rumour has it the socks, fuschia tee-shirt and teal paisley cardigan cost only $10 and a few cents. Aren't they amazing bargain shoppers? Obviously I taught them something....(The flannel lounge pants were 40% off, a good deal too.)

Mom spoiled me as she tends to.

She and I both did a lot of shopping at Northern Reflections (for each other, I mean) this year.  :-)

Oh, and look what she sent the boys;

Plus she found this cute cat apron for me:

I confess I love "granny" aprons. I've gotten a few looks when I open the door while wearing one, but who cares? I'm sloppy in the kitchen and like to be covered top to bottom.  :-)

I did hit the mall at 8:30AM, just to see what, if anything, was open. Target was and I bought a few little Christmas wrap items and some holiday chocolate, 50% off. Nothing terribly exciting. I left at 10AM, just as things were really becoming insane out there, and headed down to Chapters. I wanted a page-a-day calendar and got a floral one, same kind I had a few years ago. I need something to look at that will give me a bit of cheer at the office in the coming year, because goddess knows the work environment has gone down the toilet. I also got some Christmas cards for 75% off (they do have lovely cards!) and a fattening iced sugar cookie. It went well with my latté. (I'm not stepping on a scale until January. I must have eaten my way through five pounds by now, at least.)

Nicki and Derry were not overlooked, either. Sometime this week I'll have to do a post on their blog about "Santa's" gift.

I hope everyone's holiday was a good one...So much fuss and preparation and it's all over in the blink of an eye, really. I'll leave you with more ice storm snap shots from Christmas Eve morning, around 9AM, waiting for the bus at Walmart (yes, I went super-early for a few last minute grocery items that I hadn't been able to get because of the weekend storm).

 

 This was snapped heading up the street to my townhouse complex (below).

Take care, folks. Purrs from the boys and peace from me.