Anticipation.....

I've always been hugely into seasons, hoidays, etc. Dressing in the colors, going all-out with wrapping and bows, the perfect touches on gifts. But for the past few years, the thing that makes December 'feel' Christmasey.....is a show.

I've been an Over the Rhine fan since college. After attending Apex for awhile, I found other OTR lovers, followers, junkies. We decided to start a tradition of going to their homecoming show at the Taft theatre (such a historic and beautiful venue) every December. Since then....THAT is the beginning of the feeling of Christmas to me.

The first year I was dating Phil, I talked it up, and convinced him to go with me. Now, it's one of our favorite traditions. We watch for the release date and order tickets asap. This year, we are so close to the front....close enough to see the sweet glances between Karin and Linford....to see the awesome facial expressions of the drummer, Mickey. And as is also tradition, resrvations have been made for dinner at Campanello's (a hole-in-the-wall, family run, Italian restaurant a few blocks from the Taft). They have the best tirimisu.

To top things off this year, we knew the date of the show early enough to make reservations to spend the night at our favorite B&B after the show. Gaslight Bed & Breakfast is run by a fun Christian couple who whip up the best gourmet breakfasts.

And that is anticipation.....