Reflections of Christmas

Well, Christmas is finally over. As I sit and reflect upon the past week I find myself experiencing mixed emotions. A part of me (a very large part, I might add) is relieved that it is finished and the pace of my life should start to even out a little. This Christmas season was the most hectic I can ever remember. We have been at a full run since before Thanksgiving. So, I will certainly not be sad to finally get to slow down and relax a little.

Another part of me is sad because my kids will never be this age again. By next year there may be one less believer in our house. Of course, that's not what Christmas is all about and the true meaning of the season is certainly stressed in our home, but all the same it saddens me that I may not see the joy and magic reflected in the eyes of another of my babies next year. Jacob is on the bubble and I feel sure that by next year his wide-eyed acceptance will have disappeared and with it will go some of the fun of Christmas morning. Of course, there's still Noah and hopefully, if the others don't spoil it for him, we still have several more years of Christmas excitement with him. He was absolutely precious this year. Everything about the season excited him...from dressing as a shepherd at the Nativity, to Santa, to the lights, to the Christmas specials on TV. We watched them all....Rudolph, "Crosty" the Snowman, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Shrek the Halls and his favorite, "Snoopy" Christmas. He was especially excited on Christmas morning to find that Santa had eaten all the cookies and that the reindeer had gobbled down the "magic" reindeer food he and I scattered on the yard late Christmas Eve. He even got tears in his eyes and the little quivering chin when he opened the gift that he had most asked for, a "Nack" (Mack off the movie Cars). So sweet.

As I grow older I find myself cherishing these small moments more and more. Things I never took the time to notice before suddenly seem very important, especially as I realize that their childhoods are passing literally before my eyes and these days can never be recaptured.

I hope everyone had a joyous Christmas and enjoyed time spent with friends and loved ones. I apologize for not getting any Christmas cards or emails out. I just simply didn't have the time or energy this year. But know that just because you didn't get a card doesn't mean I wasn't thinking of you all because I certainly was. We are so blessed with a such a wonderful group of family and friends.

From our house to yours.....May you each have a wonderful, blessed New Year!