The Spirit of giving

I had a very productive weekend and got lots done for the holidays. There isn't much left to do this week which is good because I have both of my kids home now for Christmas vacation. Anakin is almost on vacation too. He has 11 days vacation coming up and I can't wait to spend lots of time with him. I've got a bit more baking to do as well as cleaning. I also plan to dye my hair today and a bit nervous about it because I am dying it a darker type of red and not my usual color. We'll have to see how it turns out. I even got some play time with Anakin on Saturday night. We had considered going to Rascal's for their Christmas play party but wanted some alone time. Anakin created a really nice scene for us with lots of toys and naughty fun. I got spanked with many toys including lots with his belt. It was a rough scene and something I really needed. I got a sore bottom to remind me of my place and the anal sex was amazing. I'm glad we chose to have a night alone. Hopefully we'll try to get to a play party in the new year. I spent all day in the kitchen yesterday making up gift baskets for some special people. I was glad that Anakin and my son helped me so I could get so much done. I put a lot of thought into the gift baskets for people. I filled them with different baking and chocolates as well as other thoughtful goodies. I wanted to be able to surprise people and it made me feel so good inside to give to people who have treated us good this last year. I made a gift basket for my best friend, DL. I put some loose tea into her gift basket as well as many other things. We dropped by her place to surprise her. She had surgery recently and isn't able to move around very well. She was deeply touched by my gift for her and even had a few tears in her eyes. She's been really good to me this year and did something similar for me years ago. Anakin's grandma had passed away and I was not able to do baking that year. She dropped by with a bunch of baking for us and had surprised me. So I did the same for her. I am very glad for her friendship. I consider her my best friend and one of the closest people in my life. We gave a gift basket to my FIL and really surprised him. We had even made sugar cookies the same way my MIL used to make them. This seemed to really touch him. I know this is a difficult Christmas for him and the first one without her here for the holidays. We've been trying to be there for him. He had dinner at our house the other night and will be spending a lot of the holidays with us so he won't be alone. He didn't even put up Christmas decorations this year. I wanted him to have some baking though and we made sure he knows we are there for him during this difficult time. I also made up gift baskets for my mom and stepdad. My mom lost her job recently and they are having a lot of financial problems. My mom commented about not being able to afford baking this year so we gave to them too. I also made up a gift basket for my ex husband. Anakin commented that I must be one of the few people who bakes for their ex husband. lol. I feel bad though about my ex being alone and know he doesn't do much baking. I have invited him to Christmas dinner too and let him know we are there for him too this year. We might be divorced but we are still friends and show a united front for our daughter. He looked pretty surprised by the goodies and that made me smile. I reminded my kids yesterday about how good it feels to give to people rather than focus on what they are getting. I've been trying to give a lot more this year for the holidays. We have donated money to several causes including the hospice where my MIL passed away, SPCA, Coins for Kids (money for kids in Mexico), Food bank, Salvation Army as well as the Christmas Bureau. I have even signed up to volunteer for the Salvation Army if they ever need the help. We have needed the help during difficult times and it feels good to give back. It feels good to give to some really good causes that need the money. I feel the spirit of giving this year. I know this is a sad Christmas for some people but I've tried hard to make them smile. We've opened our door at Christmas for those that have no place to go. Anakin's Uncle will be joining us and that makes me happy because this has been a difficult time for him. So many people forget about the spirit of giving and how good it can feel to give to others in need. It's opened my heart and made the holidays a lot more brighter for me. May the force be with you all!! ~padme amidala