Holiday Fun

Christmas excitement is upon us and it tends to make me think. Last night Aaron and I were frantically running around the house picking up and putting things away while the kids slept. As we finally drug ourselves to bed Aaron asked me "When did the holidays boil down to just being able to get through them?" It's interesting... I remeber the days of when I was younger and the excitement was about Santa and really being able to get together with family. Playing with my cousins and seeing the grandparents. Sure the Santa excitement is coming back now that Gabby is grasping the concept of what it means to get coal in her stocking! :o) But it's so much about super cleaning the house, how much to spend, is this enough for this niece, this present is bigger but the smaller one cost more, will we have enough food, will the weather be okay for travel, etc. It's crazy. I know that once people show up and the food has been eaten and the dishes packed away then it will be okay again because then it's family just sitting around. I kind of miss being that little sparkle eyed child looking at the tree all lit with lights and ornaments and seeing all the presents under the tree, climbing into the car with someone else driving me off to see loved ones and to play with my cousins until the dreaded moment when someone says "Okay kids, it's time to head out!" While I ponder these thoughts today I know I will continue to hope that the ice storm keeps us home tomorrow so I can finish thawing the turkey and wrap the rest of the presents... Merry Christmas to my family and friends. It might not be the same as when we were kids and things were simpler- but there's still the electricity in the air that lets me know it's the good time of the year.