I just noticed that it is November, already. (Your response: "I Know! How the heck did that happen?"). I am a person who used to start shopping in July. In fact, I bought something for my Uncle Ray on Etsy in September, and when I told the CFO about the charge he said, "Whoa, you're late." It seems as the family has expanded and our jobs have gotten busier and the kids' activities have gotten more complex I feel perpetually behind on preparing for Christmas. And CHRISTMAS IS BIG at our house. BIG. Check out our loot from last year:
The best part was the reason for all the loot - all the people celebrating with us:
Back row: Greg (CFO :-)), his brother Rick, his father Dan, my sister-in-law Cynthia, my brother Andrew holding their daughter Caroline, my Aunt Suzanne and my Mom (seated)
Middle row: My mother-in-law Janice, her mother Mary, my grandfather Dorman and me
Front: Layla (chief of shedding and bed hogging), Michael, Emma and my niece Amelia
And we have more than just Christmas to celebrate. Andrew, Cynthia and Amelia's birthdays are all between December 22nd and December 31st, and December 30th is our anniversary.
I have to confess that by the time we get to our anniversary we are a bit celebrated out. Although it is easy to find a baby sitter with all of our family visiting, what made December 30th so special, 15 years ago, gets a bit lost. So here is my wish for myself and for all of you this holiday season:
Forget the to do list, forget the massive dinner you are trying to assemble, forget the inevitable but very minor squabbles that happen when so many people are sharing close quarters. Grab a glass of something special and sit and listen to the hub bub happening around you. Remember the magic, remember the excitement of the kids, so strong you can touch it, as you tuck them into bed Christmas Eve, and the secrets you know are waiting for them the next day. And remember how much richer your life is because of that special someone in your life who loves you as much as you love him, who helped to make it all possible.
Wiser words were never spoken! Good for you for realizing this while your kids are still young! --SallyA
ReplyDeleteGreat post!! I am overwhelmed just trying to figure out the leave schedule at work...I can't even imagine the meals, gifts, visits, and trips that are coming up. But, that's what makes a gal classy!!!
ReplyDeleteI love all that family! Family is so, so important. Your wedding picture is absolutely beautiful. Happiness to all! (psyched that the holidays are coming, they are my favorite)
ReplyDeleteRight back at cha. You're a beautiful bride.
ReplyDeleteYou are a special person and this was a fantastic post! I love the holiday season with all the family but this year it will just be the 4 of us and that will be special too!
ReplyDeleteHugs
What a stunning wedding picture! And I love your wish...hopefully all of us can remember to do that this holiday season.
ReplyDeleteWhat a season of celebrating! I so desperately wanted to get married between Christmas and New Years... it is so lovely in our church with a forest of white lights twinkling in the evergreens... Thank you for sharing! Enjoy the day... and Christmas! Erin
ReplyDeleteMy favorite wedding to ever be part of was a Christmas wedding. There's so much to celebrate this time of year...it's easy to get lost in the hubbub!
ReplyDeleteSimply BEING there is what's really important!