Today we celebrated the holiday with one branch of the family tree, and tomorrow will bring some from two different branches to our home to celebrate. It's so easy to get lost in the glitter and gold of the season (yes, that's even coming from a former marketing professional), but we are certainly glad that our children are learning that holidays mean family first.
The boys did remarkably well today in an unfamiliar house with a lot of unfamiliar (to them, at least) people. At the very least, nothing was broken! It was just a chance for everyone to get together and share a meal and some company. There were no presents exchanged, just words and memories and warm wishes. And those are the best gifts of all.
Tomorrow will be a bit of both, with people coming together for a meal and each other's company. We will also exchange gifts, mostly small things for the little people in the family and also the fun Secret Santa game where it actually pays to have the last number! But again, it will mostly be about the family coming together and making memories. It's a Christmas tradition for Josh's side of the family, and one we're happy to carry on.
Because the boys get so much from all the people who know and love them, Josh and I didn't even get presents this year (besides the Keepsake ornaments). The little guys don't understand, and last year our house was overrun with all the new toys that arrived from us, from Santa, and from all the other family members who enjoy shopping for little people. Of course, this year Connor has been asking about Santa, so Daddy may just have to stop and pick up one little something on his way home from work tonight, just so he doesn't think Santa has forgotten him.
But the big thing that our boys are getting for Christmas this year, is simply Christmas itself - a day to celebrate family and home and all the wonderful people and things we have in our life already. Here's hoping your Christmas is just as wonderful and memorable.
