Bah, Humbug!

I’m trying to get in the Christmas spirit, I really am. I’ve baked cookies. I’ve decorated a tree. I’ve participated in our music ministry concert at church. And yesterday, we went to Silver Dollar City for their Old Time Christmas with over a million lights.
When SDC (also known in these parts as “Steal Yer Dollar” City) first started opening for Christmas, it was an afterthought and no rides were open. It cost $5, and people went to see the living nativity, the Christmas lights, a few shops, and to enjoy some hot wassail, because really, who serves wassail anymore? The next year I think the price jumped to $10, but it still wasn’t bad, but in later years, ticket prices for Christmas have been the same admission prices as the regular season. Granted, all the shops and most of the rides are open now, and there are more shows, like “A Christmas Carol,” but seriously? What family can afford to pay $54.81 per adult for one day at a theme park at Christmas time?
Fortunately, I won 4 tickets on a radio contest, so we got in free. Neither Robert nor I had been to SDC since we got married, and I was looking forward to seeing the lights, and having one of their famous cinnamon rolls. After we got there, I was ecstatic that we did not pay for the experience. It was overcrowded, overpriced, and when I went to get my cinnamon roll? They were out. Some guy was smoking on the tram, and since you now have to park 2 miles away from the entrance, the tram is a necessity.
We watched the “Dickens’ Christmas Carol” stage show, and I found myself really relating to Ebenezer Scrooge. The best part of the day was hanging out with our friends Eddie & Brenda, Steve & Ginger, and Steve & Katie. I’m not sure which one of them stole my camera to take this shot of Brenda, but they’ll learn that the danger of taking unauthorized photos is that they’ll get posted on my blog.

For the record, it wasn’t even that cold. I didn’t even need to wear my coat or any of my handknits that I’d brought. Anyway, here’s hoping that I can find some Christmas cheer. Thinking of a little baby in a manger helps with that.