I'm not sure which part is better...the lights or the popcorn?

I woke up this morning with Lucy's head on top of mine. I stayed like that for a few minutes, but it wasn't very comfortable, so I made her move. Kristi woke up a little while later and decided to start the day, so I did the same. I got a call from a 864 number I didn't know, and since it was before 9 I figured it was important, so I picked up. It was a Sam's Club employee letting me know Kristi's replacement tire was in. Kristi and I were already planning on running some errands, so we got ready and then embarked on our adventure.

We dropped her car off at Sam's, and then headed to the mall as I like to do on Christmas Eve. It was really disappointing this year. It wasn't crowded at all, and no one seemed to be in a hurry or stressed out. So much for the hustle and bustle. Kristi bought some Starbucks and we made our way back to Sam's to pick up her car. On an exciting note, I payed 1.36 for gas at Sam's today...which meant my whole fill-up cost me 15.50. Amazing.

After that Kristi went home and I ran a few other errands. Then I came home, ate lunch, and left for work. I got out my Santa hat before leaving as I wanted to bring Christmas cheer to the Christmas Eve service. Lucy had apparently chewed on it, so it smelled bad, but I loaded it up with Febreze. Ah the smell of dog saliva masked by Febreze.

I spent time setting a few things up at work and getting some prelude music ready. I like to choose prelude music, so I was glad that Matt let me do that, although I did have him approve what I chose. The service went well, I thought the sound was great, and the congregation seemed to enjoy it wholeheartedly. It sure was a packed house! You can see some pics at Joe's blog.

Kristi and I hurried home from the service to go look at Christmas lights with my parents. Our family tradition was to eat at McDonald's and then go look at lights with the dogs in the back of the car. My sister wasn't in town tonight, and we couldn't do the McDonald's thing, but at least the lights were still carried on. By the way, the McDonald's tradition started one year when my dad was working and the rest of us ate at a drive-thru.

Looking at lights is always fun, especially going by the incredible house in Mauldin. The piano player wasn't there tonight, which made me sad, but they still had the popcorn machine, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas on a big screen, and all of the amazing lights. There are so many lights and inflatables that the people use several other yards around them. The arrangement was different this year because one of the neighbors was new, so the guy said he thought he'd let him observe for a year before asking for his yard. They have donation buckets along the trail around the house because their power bill is so incredibly high. I can't do this place justice at all, but I did take a few pictures:

We drove through a few neighborhoods and then came home. I don't think Lucy enjoyed looking at lights because she doesn't seem to feel good in the car and just sleeps the whole time. The other dogs (Molly and Carter) enjoy looking out the windows the entire time. Maybe Lucy will enjoy it more next year.

Tomorrow is Christmas! We will be spending some time with relatives, exchanging gifts, and reflecting on the fact that God came to earth. It doesn't get much better than that!