And I am so thankful. Even when my girls are driving me crazy and my house is in chaos. I know that I have been blessed with many things. We had an extremely busy December and many late nights but it was all worth it. We attended a few Christmas gatherings, had a few of our own and our Ringette team enjoyed a skate with Santa and a party afterwards.
We decided to travel to my parents for Christmas this year. Something I love and hate. It gets harder with kids and presents and stuff. Last year we escaped sickness at Christmas but it found us at New Years. This year our kids were sick for Christmas. Quinn had the worst of it. She had a fever, no energy and was coughing terribly. We spent the afternoon of the 23rd cuddled on Papa’s couch as she slept most of the day away. I enjoyed her laying in my arms since we don’t get to cuddle like that much anymore. What with her being almost 3 and all. Thankfully, she mostly recovered in time for Christmas.
We started a tradition a few years ago, where the adults open gifts on Christmas Eve so that Christmas Day is left for the kids. It’s chaotic enough with just the girls opening their gifts and we are able to enjoy opening ours as well. This year my Aunt and Uncle joined us, which was a nice treat. I can’t remember the last time that I spent a Christmas opening gifts with them. Actually the last that I can remember was when we all still lived out in Alberta and I could not have been older than 5. I’m sure that isn’t the last time… perhaps just one with some of the best memories.
I received many special gifts this Christmas. Craig spoils me and I know that’s true. He lavishes me with wonderful presents. My Mom also always manages to find something for me that I love. This year she gave me pearl earrings. How lucky am I. But, the most special present that I received did not come wrapped with a ribbon or a bow. It wasn’t in a box or under the tree. I didn’t find it in my stocking and it was not bought at a store. I won’t even get to see or hold it until August. And I really cannot wait… My sister announced that she is having a baby.
If you have been reading here for any amount of time, you likely know that my sister had a baby boy in July of 2002, who was still-born. My entire family has never gotten over that. None of us have. We so miss that little boy and wish that the plan for him was different, much different. But it wasn’t. This year my sister met someone and they are having a baby.
So, that was Christmas in our family. Low key but chaotic.
