This was a crazy busy pre-Christmas, followed by a the most relaxing, lazy Christmas day ever. First of all, the kids and I had school through Thursday, Dec. 23rd. It was a long week! Then Friday we prepared for a Christmas party out our house. We had the cleaning lady, mattress delivery guys, furniture delivery guys, van trade guy from KC, and my parents arrived all that day, in addition to 3 over excited children running wild. It was a nuthouse! Jeremy and I were exhausted by 2:00, but had a good 12 hours of cleaning, cooking, and entertaining to go. We survived the party and had a great time with our friends. Our first night in our new, giant king bed was the best night's sleep! Merry Christmas to us!
We scraped ourselves out of bed early the next day still foggy from the party, but ready to have Christmas with my parents. We had breakfast and opened gifts with them, so they could head home. It was a very generous celebration, and honestly gifts could have stopped there. But, a mountain remained for Christmas Day. We had all the Smith gifts under our tree, in addition to our gifts. Santa still had to contribute the big ticket items later. We are a very fortunate family.
Christmas Eve was really peaceful. We cooked together, went to church, and settled in for a family movie. I was so tired. I kept dozing during the movie. Knox would yell, "Mommy, ake up!" I couldn't keep my eyes open. The kids had enough energy for all of us, but somehow managed to go to sleep. Jeremy and I took care of all the last minute details, and settled in for a long winter's nap. So tired again!
The kids made it until 7:00. Then Maisy came screaming into our room that she got her chair. They waited so patiently for us to get up and get downstairs for pictures and coffee. Santa brought Maisy the pampasan chair she wanted. Carson got a work bench, toolbox, and a miniature golf building set. Knox got a giant racetrack and play-doh set. He decided that he liked "Tanta Caus" after all that. We opened gifts for a long time, and the kids got so much I don't even think they really know who it all came from. Lucky, lucky kids. So fun!
While every holiday season brings a mixture of feelings and memories, it is a special time. A time to reflect, to hope, to love, and to appreciate all you have been given. This holiday was about family, traditions, and togetherness. Without the rest of our families around to take charge, we acted like the adults we really are and gave our kids a great Christmas...our way. Hopefully it will be one they remember with fondness. I know I will.
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