There is something about Christmas that gets me. I am not sure if it is the decorating, or the music, or the stories, or the movies, or the baking - okay I think it is all of it! I just love everything about this season (there is still a little magic for me) and normally I spend my holidays running around to make everyone else happy and not enjoying anything. The joy of having divorced parents, and then adding in-laws (thankfully my husbands parents are still together because I could never 4 celebrations). Sure some might think I am nuts, but for me I have lived my life going here and there for days on end that I don't think I ever got the chance to sit down and enjoy it, watch a great holiday themed movie or just hang with friends.
Well this year is different because most of our family has decided to up and leave us and the kids and take off to warmer places. Jealous? Yes I am! I am jealous that I am here in the cold and they are somewhere warm. I am also sad that they don't want to see their small grand kids open their gifts on Christmas morning. Pissed that we have had weeks of holiday celebrations where my kids have opened presents from them. Really, every weekend this month has been gift opening. My kids don't have the same excitement over Christmas morning now because they have all of these new toys already. And some that were coming from Santa were bought from them so my husband and I spent the last week frantically trying to find other toys. Sucks when most stores were out of stock on the items we wanted and they would not be restocking until after the holidays. Will never happen again, my kids will open those presents on Christmas morning or after, just like I did when I was a kid.
My mom and stepdad are coming here for traditional roast beef dinner tomorrow, Christmas Eve. They will enjoy our first year of our new traditions that I have not been able to do with my kids because we have always had to make sure everyone else was happy that we never thought about ourselves. We will eat a nice dinner, open one gift (Christmas pj's) and watch a Christmas movie (this year Santa Buddies for the kids). This year we learn that Christmas is for our kids, I want them to experience the magical excitement that I have always yearned for. And next year if the rest of my family decides they want to go back to the way it was before, they will learn that I am going to be selfish and make this for my kids. Sure they can celebrate with us, they are more than welcome to come on over of Christmas morning and witness the kids open their gifts. They can stay and enjoy a delicious turkey dinner with us. This year we are going to do it for ourselves, even though it is only the 4 of us, and my kids don't eat anything we are going to all cook the entire meal and enjoy it just the 4 of us! I am looking forward to spending the day cooking with my kids.
Sure I didn't get my outside decorations up. I didn't bake as much as I could have and I didn't get my holiday card done. OMG I know, how could I, designer of amazing cards not do one for myself. Long story short, I had photos taken of the family in October to use for my card, and the CD of those photos just arrived this week, so I ran out of time. At this point, sure I could still do a card but I am burnt out. I would rather have no card, then have something I don't love. There is always next year!
The past couple of months have been so busy with my business, Grace Announcements, I have received some amazing press and orders have been flowing like crazy. A product of mine that my great friend Candace at Name Your Tune sells was featured in a couple of major publications and it made for a CRAZY couple of weeks. The Grace Announcements family (thank goodness I got some more help just before the features came out) was working our butts off for a few weeks filling those orders and taking care of the normal holiday card rush. This year it was an amazing rush! You would all be blown away if I told you just how many orders were pumped out of here the first 2 weeks in December.
Even with all of the craziness and letdown I am ready to go. Food is bought, gifts are bought, some baking is done and I am feeling relaxed and ready to enjoy. If only I could get off the couch and wrap some presents... hmm there is always tomorrow night!
Happy Holidays everyone. I hope your holidays are filled with family and friends and you create some wonderful memories.
