Christmas came suddenly this year. Doesn't it always? I somehow ended up among the rowdy crowds doing last minute shopping and scores of presents were wrapped just in the nick of time. The bone-dry weather must be partly to blame for Christmas sneaking up. Come and gone in the blink of an eye, but they sure were happy holidays.
On Christmas eve eve, we met at Zupas for dinner - even Kay and Kevin were up from Arizona to spend a few days with us. We devoured hearty soups and tasty salads, then bundled up and headed downtown to see the dazzling lights at temple square. Such a lovely sight. Horse-drawn carriages trotting about in the wintry night, the hustle and bustle of countless people dressed up like Eskimos, twinkling lights strewn through high tree tops, crowds eagerly gathered around the nativity scene. A picture-perfect Christmas scene.
Then Christmas eve came and we began a new tradition - a festive evening of delectable appetizers. Each of us whipped up something different; thoughtfully scouted out (thank you Pinterest) and meticulously prepared. The spread was remarkable - gooey cheese fondue, mock PF Chang's lettuce wraps, out-of-this world tostada bites, and scrumptious pizza rolls. Quite the smorgasbord if you ask me.
Christmas day was spent lazily, in pajama pants and cozy socks. It was carefree and delightful. Even when the rolls for our Christmas morning sticky buns didn't rise according to plan, Tyler cleverly gave them a little push. Soon enough the smell of cinnamon and sugar was wafting through the air. With full bellies and warm hearts, we piled into the family room. Excitedly, we all dug into our stockings and took turns unwrapping the most lovely gifts.
Santa was very generous and everyone was pleased, but the best gift of all was to be surrounded by loved ones. The feeling of contentment and happiness was overwhelming.
I sometimes think people expect too much of Christmas. All too often we let ourselves build up high hopes of some grand occasion, complete with elaborate expectations of what the day will hold, only to be let down (not surprisingly) when it finally arrives. As for me, I have decided I like to take my Christmas as it comes, drifting along into the holidays and appreciating all that Christmas really has in store; the thoughtfulness behind the gifts I am given, adorning our pint-sized tree with beloved Hallmark ornaments received in years passed, the hind-sight hilarity of miss-measured waffle batter, the endless sky-high pile of dishes, taking part in much-loved traditions, slyly listening to old familiar Christmas songs as early as September, presents wrapped carefully in extravagant colors under the tree, hanging stockings with care, watching and re-watching Christmas Vacation (repeating every line word-for-word), the utter chaos and endless racket. It may not always seem perfect, but in the end it's perfect because its
real.
This holiday I was grateful to have so much and spend time with the ones I love. I can say, without hesitation, that it was a very merry Christmas indeed.
Hope your holidays were merry and bright.
