Christmas Traditions

Since I have been working this year, we have had to forgo many of our family Christmas Traditions this year.  However, we were able to do one of our favorite. We went to Temple Square!! We parked in Sandy and took the Trax up. The kids really loved it. It was Delaney's first time on the train and she really really really loved it. She is normally our little complainer, but the only time she complained that night was when it was getting late and she was tired and wanted to go home.  

We loved seeing the lights and watched the entire Nativity presentation.  We also got to go sit inside the Tabernacle for a while. They really had it decorated nice. Then the kids asked if we could go see the "Big Jesus", so of course, we went into the visitors center and up to the top floor for the presentation. I was suprised that the crowds were not nearly as bad as last year so we could see so much more. Then we got to see all the new displays, such as the display about the church Welfare system and how much the church does with volunteers and donations.  There was also a really cool display with Book of Mormons and Bibles in many different languages, some that we had never heard of.

Last, we went to a restaurant for some hot chocolate and dinner. I really enjoyed the time with the kids talking about what we had seen and the meaning of Christmas. Finally, we rode the train back to the car and home. (Unfortunately, I forgot the camera and had to find these lovely photos on the internet.)

Shopping Rant

So, I went Christmas shopping last night at Kohl's, one of my favorite stores. They had some really good deals and I thought I would pick up a few things for myself. I found one shirt that looked kind of cute and I thought I might like to try it on. I looked up at the sign to check the price and immediately put the item back and walked away. Why? you ask. Was the price really that bad? The answer is no, the price was great. The problem was the style name of the shirt.

They called it a "trapeze" top. I immediately had visions in my head of a giant circus tent. Now, who really wants to be wearing clothes that you associate with a circus? Not I. I freely admit that I am not in the best shape, might even go so far as to say I am fluffy. But, no way, no how am I going to buy something called a "trapeze" top. I might as well sign up for all three rings and let my belly be the ring master. NO THANKS!!! I have some pride.

Then they had a special section of jeans, not with the rest of the jeans. These were called "modern" fit jeans. I guess I don't have a "modern" body. I didn't think I was outdated, but apparently I am. I have CURVES, heaven forbid. Apparently, the "modern" body has none. I guess my genes didn't get the memo. I mean, sure, I can fit into those jeans, but, seriously, I could never bend over or sit unless I wanted to show the world my "assets". Now, I have a degree in Fashion Design and I think I am pretty fashion savvy. My teens still let me buy their clothes because they know I will always buy what is in fashion and what compliments their figures and style.

However, I don't know what merchandisers are thinking giving labels to clothing designed to make people feel bad about themselves. Really. If they want to market those styles, I'm sure that the marketing team could come up with better names for those styles. It's kind of like vanity sizing that couture designers do. If you are a size 8, go to their store and you are a size 4. Shopping there makes you feel good. Let's see more of that.