Let the holiday begin!

"Out with the old, in with the new"

is what the day after Thanksgiving is all about. This day is known as one of the craziest days of the retail world year. BLACK FRIDAY, as most of us most commonly know it as, is all about Christmas, shopping, material items, sales...and so on and so forth. I did NOT have the courage to brave the crowds today so I opted out. I just can't get myself to strategically plot out a shopping plan to hit all of the stores during their prime sales and defeat the other ruthless shoppers. Maybe one day I'll try, but not this year.

So Thanksgiving is over [It was such a great holiday full of delicious food and delightful family. I couldn't have asked for a more relaxing and inspiring day with the ones I love.] and now it's full steam ahead into the Christmas season. I'll admit, I love Thanksgiving as much as the next person, but I get a little extra giddy the day after when the Christmas decorations come out, my dad sets up the Christmas lights, and I can officially listen to Christmas music without getting ridiculed by other peeps. It really is the most wonderful time of the year.

My pops putting up Christmas lights/decorations.

Jared watching some football. Go figure.

Tonight is also opening night for the Pickleville Christmas Show "Santa's Elves". I have been rehearsing for the show since early October and it's finally time for all of our hard work to pay off. There are 5 actors in the show, so it's a pretty small cast. The Davis family has put a lot of hard work and effort into helping with every aspect of this show. They seriously are one of the most amazing families I have ever met. Holy smokes. Anyway, the show is a fun story line about a few of Santa's Elves who are putting on a Christmas telethon to help encourage people to believe in Santa Claus. Of course, some things go wrong along the way, but through comedy and fun Christmas music, things turn out great. It's been such a fun production to be a part of. It's a very intimate theater experience because of the small cast and the small theater we are performing in up on USU's campus. This has helped me think about the magic of Christmas and what it's all about. I can't wait to start performing it!

For more information including dates, the cast, and how to get tickets,
visit Pickleville Playhouse website.

Here are some awesome pictures of the show too. Enjoy!
(The link will take you to more through Facebook. Don't have a FB account? Here are a few pictures so you can enjoy too.)

Needless to say, I'm pretty excited for the Christmas season. Not even necessarily for the monetary aspect, but just for the feeling. It's a magical time of year that helps me to reflect on Christ and His life. It's a time of year for yummy treats and holiday cheer. It's a time for laughter and joy. It's a time for family. I love Christmas. Let the holiday season begin!