And then, there was Christmas

Many people dread the coming of winter, the solstice, the shortening of days. In some ways, I crave winter. It’s my time to hibernate; to stay indoors unapologetically, to go to bed early and be awakened by a tip-toeing 3-year-old.

We were at the lake for the last two weeks and I steadily worked on my nesting PhD. So much so, that when Rodney arrived several days after us, he was shocked to find out that we’d barely set foot outside. The kids were happy, I was happy. We LEGOed, puzzled, cooked and watched nightly movies. Caught up on the classics: The STAR WARS trilogy and Back to the Future; The Parent Trap and Polyanna. We prepared for Christmas – the kids’ grandparents came to visit. We continued our nesting in full force: we ate; we traveled the globe one cocktail at a time: Manhattans, white Russians, apple cider Dark ‘n stormies.

It was the rest that I needed. The rest that we all needed. Unharried and unscheduled.

We did get outside though. After we tore ourselves away from marathon breakfasts of fruitcake and coffee and the occasional turkey sandwich. There were walks to take, and geese to greet on deserted docks.

And then, there was Christmas.

New slippers for me, new toys for the kids. The traditional holiday box of Lifesavers in the stockings. A walk to the park, roasted lamb, scalloped potatoes, and of course, more rounds of cocktails.

We’re a fortunate group – there’s lots of love that goes around in this family, across all generations. I never take these days for granted. I hope that you likewise got to spend time with friends and family over the holidays. All the best for the new year.

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