mixed holiday feelings

so for those of you who don't know, i will be spending the holidays here in rome with my very near and dear 'lizbear' and 'wife' a.k.a. - sarah p.  as the days roll by (and they are rolling by VERY fast),  i get all giddy and excited to see my girls.  i have almost every second filled up with making cookies, shopping for the PERFECT cheeses and salumi, running around rome with silly santa hats, and snuggling with "cioccolato caldo" or hot chocolate - italian style.  i am flabbergasted (did i really just use that word?) that they will actually be here in one week, and even more grateful to have them here.  i don't know what the holidays would be like without loved ones by your side..

that being said, i also have to take this moment to express the other half of me that is completely heartbroken that i won't be home for christmas.  granted,  christmas with the lawless's usually includes my brother's girlfriend crying over something he did, me screaming at my mother because you can't find anything in her kitchen, and then there is of course the countless reminders that i'm the only "single" one at the table.  i must admit - there are few things i could live without, but there are so many things i will miss about not being home.  who will design a ridiculously difficult gingerbread house with j.p?  (which NEVER gets finished...except that one time when we were 10 and 12).  who will make my uncle greg his decorated sugar cookies that take FOREVER to decorate?  who will sit up until 2 a.m. finishing wrapping presents with rich and maria while we drink decaf coffee as if it will give us more energy?  who will play really bad renditions of christmas carols at the murphy's house?  who will watch "elf" with michael and justin and answer the phone saying "buddy the elf, what's your favorite color?"   who will get the christmas box this year between me, steph, and liz?  this will be my first year missing christmas eve breakfast at liz's (christmas eve breakfast consists of pancakes and cookies - healthy! it's the best).  

we all have our traditions and christmas customs.  i know i will miss snow, and the christmas houses on washington ave, and those ridiculous blow-up christmas displays that have replaced all the beautiful lights that once graced pizza mountain.  i will miss sitting with sandee and bruce for hours talking about life and gossiping about all the people that we've lost touch with.  i'll miss the swedish choir concert with their delectable Glögg and their even more delectable conductor!  

will all this said, i know i am going to have the christmas of a life time... i just don't want anyone to think that i've completely forgotten how wonderful christmas is at home (even if it is in scranton :P).  i'll make sure we take LOTS of pictures and drink LOTS of wine in your honor.  a very happy christmas season to all <3