It Still Came!

“It came without ribbons, it came without tags. It came without packages, boxes, or bags. Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas (the thought) means a little bit more.”  -Grinch

This year I have felt like an awful Grinch. I'm sad. I'm tired. I'm tired of being tired. It didn't feel like much of a year to celebrate. But Christmas still came. And it really was good.

These gangsters hung their stockings, set out milk and cookies, read a bedtime story, and then got sent to bed. And Santa set to work getting Christmas ready.

In the morning everyone was ready for the celebration to begin. Every year they look a little less bright-eyed, but they still wake up at 7:00 am, exactly, to unwrap presents. 

Despite my Grinchy attitude, this year came with a plethora of ribbons and packages. Rather than making a few well-planned purchases, I just bought everything. Or at least that's how it felt. Santa brought the kids sandals, sun shirts, swimsuits, sunglasses, cover ups and more for an upcoming cruise. Santa usually only brings one gift per child at our house, so it got crazy. Michael and I also provided gifts that weren't cruise themed, so there was plenty of presents. 

Then there were the teens. They both have a steady income this year, and splurged with their holiday gift giving. And Grace and Sam didn't want to be left behind, so they have been working odd jobs to earn money. A big part of the excitement was in seeing how others liked the gifts that were worked for and purchased. 

We had a wonderful, peaceful morning and then headed over to Grandma and Grandpa's for breakfast and family. And, yes, more presents. It was so amazing to be able to see everyone this year! The vaccines haven't made life perfect, but it has made family get-togethers safer and less stressful.

Later that afternoon we gathered with my family at our house. Not everyone was able to make it, which was very sad, but those of us who were able to attend ate snacks and had a good time. We opted for a white elephant gift exchange this year for simplicity's sake.  

Before the exchange began Libby went on a rant about losing a salt lamp at her work's white elephant exchange. Her older cousin then unwrapped a pink quartz lamp very similar to the lost salt lamp. Yes, Libby stole that thing on her turn. No one was brave enough to even glance at the lamp. There was a lot of laughter and teasing, and it felt good. It was nice to just be together.

Despite everything that has happened, Christmas still came this year. It was hard, but it was also tender and kind.