22 ...

I'm not certain when the tradition began ... somewhere during the years when our movie selection was that of what Pops found at the library in the kids section, I'm certain of that at least.  Having four children within five years of one another certainly had its moments I'm sure.  One of the great things, I speak as a child not as the parent here, was Christmas though.  We liked each other a lot and managed to listen to the Last Straw {that's another post for another day} each year and it increased the peace in our home as we served.  The serving would end with straw and our traditional movie, "All I Want for Christmas."  Oh, you haven't heard of it?  No, this came out three years prior to Mariah's song. What, still unclear? That's unacceptable ... at least in our house.  We've introduced it to the visitors over the years, Pops even tried a few years ago to stay up and watch it with us ... but the four of us, Joshy, Kas, Bitzy, and Buba are the die-hards.  It doesn't matter the circumstance, whether we are up at the Lake or dealing with life ... the movie is shown.  And we laugh just as hard as we did the first time the mice are released and get just as excited as the ketchup's marry.  

There is something to be said for mindless traditions. Don't misunderstand, I enjoy our caroling Fullers {although they won't be there this year, tears} on Christmas Eve, our caroling to the Nursing Home, Gramps reading the Christmas Story, Silent Night on the piano releasing us from our room ... all clearly have a bit more of a foundation in the true meaning of Christmas.  But being with my siblings, my favorite people in the whole-wide-world, especially as the years go by and enjoying {in the midst of the chaotic world we find ourselves in} a mindless movie where good conquers evil ~ yes, it's in there ~ and everyone lives happily ever after ~ sorry to ruin the ending ~ is one of my favorite parts of Christmas.  Not to mention the ever adorable Ethan Embry.

Merry Christmas 1, 3, and 4!!