It's Over That Fast

Christmas was like a train wreck around here this year. I normally have my tree and decorations up at least a month before Christmas. This year, it was about a week. It took me three days to get the tree decorated and I just wasn't interested! Normally, there is a tree in every room of the house, each with it's own theme to match the room's decor. We decorate outside, we hang Christmas pictures, etc., etc. This year, it was all I could do to get the gifts done! The last few years, John and I have taken off for an entire day - left the house about 7:30 in the morning for a marathon shopping day - leaving with the agreement that we would stop part way through the day for an adult beverage, and we usually end up home around 10:30 that night, 99% of the shopping done and having enjoyed a day of each other's company.

Oh, no! Not this year. John got a new job with his company. I love the fact that he's doing something he wants to do, but for the first time in 10 years, he's working 3rd shift. This wouldn't be so bad if his wife had any type of normal schedule, but I work retail...morning, noon and nights! The baby was sick and in the hospital for nearly a week. We lost our dog about a month ago. And there was just no way to get my head around this holiday! The worst part, I had lost my shopping partner (part of me thinks he did this on purpose!!!) I did have to laugh, however. I did the marathon shopping spree the Tuesday before Christmas (by myself, with no adult beverage and no special dinner). I wrapped everything. I made candy this year (no cookies - broken oven; pretty pathetic when you sell appliances for a living if you ask me). And the Saturday before Christmas, my husband takes the boys shopping for mom. The only person they have to buy for. DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY PHONE CALLS THOSE BOYS MADE TO MOM BEFORE THEY GOT BACK?!?

Oh well, it's done and over. We got to spend the day with our families. Christmas at my mom's was pretty special this year. We have 5 generations of women in this family! My beautiful grandmother who is 84, my mother who is still beautiful at 61, myself, my daughter and my 2-month old granddaughter. Not everyone can say that and this was something truly special.

I am so lucky to come from a family of good, strong women with good genes! Enjoy this new year and all the craziness it will bring. It's these days of insanity that will create the most memories. Remember to tell your family members that you love them! It's the only thing that will last when everything else is gone.

Now, it's time to put all this crap away! Hopefully I'll have it done by June!