San Francisco 49ers v Carolina Panthers

I Don’t Get My Way at Christmas

I think most of what makes it FEEL like Christmas is based on our childhood memories.

For me, I love a leisurely Christmas morning, with just Chris and the kids. That’s how we always did it growing up, because we lived in the same area as all of our extended family.

However, Chris and I haven’t lived near family in over 13 years. Christmas usually involves traveling.

This makes laid-back Christmas mornings almost impossible.

We have opened presents as a family on Christmas Eve and then headed to the airport. Some Christmas mornings, we’ve woken up in a hotel to a “complimentary” Christmas breakfast. There’s been times the kids opened stockings in the car. We’ve attended Christmas services at the grandparents’ church. One year, we ate Christmas dinner at Waffle House, because it was the only thing open on the way to family.

Every holiday is different. And rarely like Christmases I remember from childhood.

A few years ago, we didn’t travel anywhere for Christmas. I was thrilled. Finally, my nice, peaceful Christmas morning! On the correct date. Just the family.

Except, the kids weren’t impressed. “This is boring.” “I wish we’d gone to see family.” “There’s nothing to do.” “Why did we stay home?”

And I realized my “normal” Christmas wasn’t theirs. To my kids, Christmas is road trips and visiting grandparents in another state. It’s hotels and airports. Luggage and presents all jammed into the trunk. Exploring in the woods of Arkansas or playing in Wisconsin snow.

So now my Christmas expectations are a lot more flexible. We still set aside time for just our family. But it’s ok that we have to work it around the road trip.

It turns out, having a more open mind about what is a “real” Christmas is a good thing.

This year, our traveling took us through the city of an adoptive-mom-friend, so she and I were able to have coffee and chat in person, which was a huge treat. Next, we are headed to spend Christmas with Enoch’s birth family. And we will finish up our holiday trip at Chris’ parents’ house.

So, as much as I love my nostalgic holiday customs, I’m learning that beauty comes in opening up to new kinds of Christmas traditions too. Especially when I see my kids’ joy in making their own memories.

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San Francisco 49ers v Carolina Panthers

Surveys Greetings

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Wrapping paper for Christmas.

2. Real tree or artificial?
We have an artificial. It’s nice because we can put it up when we want and not worry that it’s going to get dry before Christmas. But we will probably switch to a real one when this one gets to worn out.

3. When do you put up the tree?
Usually the weekend after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down?
I usually put it off as long as possible… I think. I’ve moved twice in January, which enforced me taking the tree down right away, so I’ve only got 2 other Christmases as a reference point.

5. Do you like eggnog?
No, it grosses me out. I don’t know which part sounds worse… the egg or the nog.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
I remember my cabbage patch doll being a big deal and I always loved getting more barbies.

7. Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes, they’re one of my favorite things! I have one that we got when we were first married and Chris just got me the Willow Tree one for my birthday!!!

8. Who do you find difficult to buy for?
My husband and my parents.

9. Easiest person to buy for?
Isaiah!

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
I’m not very picky, so nothing comes to mind.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail.

12. Favorite Christmas movies?
While You Were Sleeping, White Christmas, the new Miracle on 34th St., Last Holiday, all of The Santa Clause ones, Charlie Brown, more…

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Eh… usually too late.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
For a White Elephant :-D

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Christmas Cookies probably.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
Clear.

17. Favorite Christmas songs?
O Come, O Come Emmanuel, O Holy Night.

18. Travel for Christmas or stay at home?
I really like having our own Christmas around our own tree and creating memories with the kids. But traveling can be fun too.

19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?
No.

20. Angel on the tree top or star?
Definitely a star. Angels are probably not girls anyway.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Christmas morning!

22. Do you have happy memories of this time of year?
Of course! I love Christmas.

23. What I love most about Christmas?
The whole season, all the pretty decorations, the happy feeling in the air, the good food, the nostalgia.

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