Better late than never, here is our Christmas post.

First let’s set up this year’s Christmas.  We returned from India on Sunday, December 9^th.  Everyone returned to school on the 10^th, then on the 11^th Chris went to North Carolina for work until Friday the 14^th.  We were already behind with all the Christmas traditions, and I knew that we would be. If I learned anything in India it was to go with the flow, stop and take it all in and not worry about plans.  So that was my theme for this Christmas.  And it made it the best Christmas yet.

The day Chris came home on the day of the Newtown tragedy.  To have children in school, to work in a school, to be mom- it was such a hard day.  We kept the news from the kids as best as we could and told them only as much as they needed to know before they went back to school on that Monday.  It made us hug our kids more tightly and slow down that much more.  They are only this little once.  It reinforced all I came from India feeling.

So there were no Advent calendars this year, no trip to Ediville, no trip to the Enchanted Village.  We didn’t make any tree lightings, we didn’t attempt First Night (way too cold!).  But we had lots of family time, lots of time to enjoy the kids.  And no one complained or mentioned anything that was “missing.”

Brendan’s school concert, Song and Light, was great.  It was our last Walnut Park concert.  Brendan had a “solo”- he sang Light and Candle for Peace.  In light of all that was going on- it was touching.  Aidan’s concert was great too.  He loves his school and his friends so much.  It is so nice to see.  Just before the break I got to go to both kids’ classrooms to see their India presentations.  It was another opportunity to sit back and marvel at my awesome kids and how much they enjoy their life.

We made Christmas lists.  Brendan asked Santa for a doll with hair to style (Mei Mei), Cinderella and Fairy Books.  Aidan asked for a Harry Potter wand, broom and a box of gags.  Of course Santa brought more- Abe Lincoln Bobble head, moon shoes, Tiana and more.  I’m not sure how long we will have Santa but I hope the magic never ends.  They looked so big sitting on Santa’s lap.  They seemed so big making their wishes in the well all lit up that we visit each year.

Both kids were in the Christmas Pageant.  It was Brendan’s first year and he chose to be an angel.  He wanted his suit and angel wings.  But not a halo.  “That’s for girls.” (I will never understand this kid).  At the very last minute Aidan- the first innkeeper- got nervous and did not want to be in the Pageant.  Thankfully I have older helpers.  And no one knew the difference.  It happens.  There were 26 kids in this year’s Christmas Pageant.  The same number of families that lost loved ones in Newtown.  It was hard not to think of that as we sung Silent Night.

This Christmas and vacation was all about family and friends.  There were whole days spent in pjs just playing.  There were play dates with friends for the kids.  There were dinners with grown up friends and concerts Chris enjoyed.  There was a fun day of snow boarding.  It was all about appreciating the kids and not stressing over the small stuff.

My gift from my boys was perfect- peace dove earrings.

I think this was the best Christmas ever.