December is upon us. All my Christmas shopping is done and the Christmas lights have now been up for a month. Christmas in November took place here for my ladies group as one of the women now lives out of town and came in for a few days to spend an early Christmas with her family. What better time to have our ladies event than when she was here. So, up went the lights and the tree and the decorations. We have been 'living' Christmas since Nov 11! What a fine group of ladies too!

Early Christmas in November with the Girls!

 It's different this year though as we are not going to be with our daughter and family. It is the 'in-law's" year to visit. Our son-in-law was here Nov 30th for his father's 80th birthday so I took the opportunity to get all their gifts purchased and we were able to get them packed into a suitcase so that he could take them back to the coast with him for Christmas. Also in that suitcase were packed the birthday gifts for two of the grandkids as well! Talk about the Christmas rush!! Thankfully, there were still some Thanksgiving sales happening so I lucked out in a few purchases. But I did not have a lot of feedback from everyone as to what their Christmas desires would be this year. Guess they will have to just like what Gramma bought for them!

We were at our daughter's place for Thanksgiving and to celebrate John's birthday but who had time to buy Christmas gifts then? I had to wait till I got back home before I event started thinking about Christmas!

Birthday celebration!

We've decided to go to our niece's place for Christmas this year as something totally different since we are free this time to do whatever we wish. John's sister and husband will also be there so it will still be a family deal! Looking forward to a little 'different' style of Christmas as no kids there - just adults! Hope we can still have fun!! Just kidding. They just moved to the Interior from the Island so it is a different view..but just as beautiful!

Beautiful front driveway but the backyard is the best!

Backyard view and fire pit!

And the sunsets are beautiful there as well!!

Beautiful Sunsets!

My younger, older brother was housesitting in Calgary for 6 weeks so we had opportunity for an 'early Christmas' with them as well since they head back to the USA on Dec 18. We had a bit of a gift exchange and had a great time together. My oldest brother is already in the USA enjoying warm weather in Texas for a few months. I guess it is just me that hangs out in snow during winter!!

Well, a quick update as this year draws to a close. I may just do one more post for a 'year at a glance' kind of thing but will have to figure out just what 12 pictures best represent each month.