It used to be that every Christmas I waited until the absolute, positively last minute to wrap my presents - of course, that was BE (before Eric).

I made a whole tradition out of it, actually - on Christmas Eve put in the Sound of Music DVD, light some candles (I didn’t have a fireplace), pour myself an ice-cold Ginger Ale & wrap my brains out while I would sing-along with the movie.

It was my little tradition – and that more than anything, would get me in the Christmas spirit.

But being in the military & so far away from home, there’s been many years where we just couldn’t make it home for Christmas – meaning I can’t wait until Christmas Eve anymore.

So I’ve had to learn how to “get in the spirit” around November 30th in order to get my gifts bought, wrapped & in the mail by the first Friday in December.

And unfortunately for me, I just can’t do it.

I’ve tried. I really have. But there’s something about doing it so early that just contradicts my whole being…there’s no joy in it.

So I’ve had to semi-retire that side of me – be the early bird for family & friends. But I still try to find something to wait until the absolute last minute to do.

And this year it was homemade Christmas Crackers.

Christmas Crackers: A British tradition started back in the Victorian-era. Cardboard tubes filled with small toys, sweets & a tissue paper crown with a small snap running through the center. When you pull the ends, the snap makes a popping sound.

Of course they’ve gone commercial now – you can buy them in the stores. Usually around $20 for a box of 12.

Last year I found a company online to buy all the makings & made personal crackers for everyone. But I bequeathed all my makings to my sister when I left for Korea, which meant I’d have to improvise this year.

So instead of the normal cardboard tubes, I used Pringles cans.

Which actually works out better because you can put bigger toys inside.

I put the DVD in the player, turned on the Christmas tree lights, had Eric ‘MAKE FIRE’ and I was in my element again….

well, minus the ginger ale.

[singing loudly]

…How do you solve a problem like Maria…

But I made the crowns…cutting them into different shapes…

…Out in the field stood the lonely goat herd…

…ladie-o-di-ladie-o-di-lay-he-hoo…

I filled the cans will all kinds of little goodies.

And now they sit waiting to be opened at the end of Christmas dinner.

We’re combining our Christmas dinner with our new neighbors & their two boys…who aren’t familiar with the silly joys of wearing a tissue paper crown & playing with dollar-bin toys while hyped up on turkey and anxiously awaiting for the pie to be served.