Well, Christmas Day has come and gone. My parents are coming over to celebrate on Saturday since they were away but the actual holiday is now behind us. I have to admit, I really struggled to get myself into the spirit this year. I'm not sure why. It took me until the 23rd to get the shopping done and there was still more I wish I would have purchased but it was enough. There's always next Christmas, right?
On Christmas Eve we stayed at home enjoying just the four of us. Brianna made a cake to take along to my sister-in-law's house on Christmas Day. I bought the topper on Temu (I know, I know, not a good website to buy from but I can't help myself sometimes). We dressed up and went to the candlelight Christmas Eve service at church. When we went home I gifted my kids with their traditional Christmas Eve gift which was pajamas. I usually put a book in there but this year they each got a card game and a box of festively wrapped candy.
We all slept in on Christmas morning until Brianna banged on our doors waking us up. My son got a new pair of cowboy boots he wanted, my daughter got some perfume she wanted and then a bunch of random other gifts. There were smiles and joy in their faces and that's all that matters. Rob and I exchanged some meaningful gifts as well.
And so did Brooke.
Every year our kids get new ornaments. The top one was from Brianna's show last weekend and the bottom one was for Matthew representing his first year of cross country. He really did run a lot of impressive miles.
We stayed home until going to Rob's sister's house to celebrate with her, her boyfriend and their mother.
Christmas feels a little different with teenagers than it did when they were little; waking us up early with excitement to see what Santa left for them under the tree before ripping into the rest of the gifts. It was also easier buying them gifts when they were interested in toys - there are so many toys to choose from. Now they ask for hoodies, pajamas and expensive things and they know the truth about Santa. Still, it's a blessings having them home and continuing to enjoy Christmas with them. It's never far from my mind how quickly these years go and it won't be long before they are living on their own with their own families. Each year Christmas will feel a little bit differently and that's okay. I will always cherish the memories.
No matter how you celebrated, I hope you were able to find joy and peace this Christmas.
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