Any Snow Angel, For That Matter

So, my sock collection didn't grow at all this year after Christmas. Typically, I am the *Queen* of receiving plush footwear from relatives. Socks with slip-proof bottoms, socks with bells, socks with stripes. White socks, toe socks. All spilling out of my stocking on Christmas morning. But this year... nada. Not one pair. Just a dust ball and a few crumbs where the socks usually go. And not that I ask for socks. I'm just so used to getting them that I put off replenishing my sock drawer because I know that come Christmas time, I will have new ones. The good news is, however, I got more money from cash and gift cards than usual. Bad news is, more than likely that extra money will go towards buying the socks that I didn't get for Christmas. *Sigh*

Other than my baby-sock-drama, Christmas was good to me this year. And not in material gain, but in a "Personal growth section of a bookstore" kind of way. I came to the realization that this may be my last Christmas with my family for a while. I have no idea if I'll be able to make it home for Christmas next year. And part of me doesn't want to rush home for that week if I'm in Asia. I'm eager to experience Christmas and other holidays in different cultures and countries. It's hard for my mom to understand that, but I think she's warming up to the idea. She was a bit upset that my brother and his wife didn't leave their home in Oregon to come home for the holidays. I know she just wants to keep us as close as possible, and she's terrified of losing touch. I keep trying to remind her that I talked to her more when I was living in Alaska than I do living thirty minutes away. Hopefully she's not in complete denial about me leaving in the spring.

Aside from my personal revelations involving the spirit of Christmas, I am still coping with the fact that it has not been cold enough to even think about snow. (65 degrees and raining is no way to spread Christmas cheer. Nor is it conducive to perfect snow angels. Or any snow angel for that matter.) Despite the unseasonably warm weather, my Christmas was spent with my sister and two nephews, and our mom and dad. I moved in with my sister earlier this month to help out with the boys and to save up money for my move to Korea this March. Living with them is so much fun. It's amazing how much positive energy a six and ten year old can bring. When I was moving my stuff in a few weeks ago, I remember thinking how much fun Christmas will be with them around. And even though I was dreading the early rise on Christmas morning, it was rather adorable waking up to them jumping on my bed at 7am and shouting, "WAKE UP SARA, IT'S CHRISTMAS!!"