Yes, it’s that time of year again for me to go all out and overwhelm myself to the point of complete exhausting. It’s a tradition by now… a Lisa-ism if that’s what you’d call it. It always starts out innocently enough, just a little bit of Christmas celebration to share with friends, family, co-workers and neighbors… and possibly whomever seems to cross my path between now and December 24th.I fight to keep it under control, really I do, but somehow it just always seems to grow and grow and grow… It could overtake if I allowed it to, but my sweet, compassionate, loving husband seems to know when I can’t handle anymore and throws me the life preserver or parachute… whichever seems most appropriate at the time of course.

It starts with the popcorn… evil popcorn.

It doesn’t just pop itself either. Oh no, I have to use the hot air popper and then burn my fingers on the old maids and un-popped kernels so nobody will break a tooth or choke on them.

If you thought popcorn was evil, you just wait till you meet the caramel… oh my. Yes, this stuff comes from the very depths of all that is sugary, sticky and so stinking yummy (yes I said stinking) you’re willing to take the third degree burns that come with the job just so you can lick the spoon, pot or anything with the addicting substance still attached to it!

Alrighty then, third… the caramel and popcorn meet and instantly bond with one another in a chemistry match that can only be described as unbreakable!

By the time it’s all said and done, Mandi ponders…