Christmas: It Happened

Well, the Christmas spirit never truly arrived in our house this year, but it didn't stop us from having a really nice day. We all got sick in the last few days leading up to the 25th, which resulted in an extremely low-key day. No one woke up too early, presents were a big hit and overall I'd say it was one of our better Christmases. We hosted our annual Boxing Day party on the 26th and with 16 people, half of whom were under the age of 7, it was truly chaos (in the best possible way). We had all of Christmas taken down and packed away for next year by mid-day on the 26th, which is our scrooge-y Harris way. Love, love, love the buildup, love Christmas Day and then LOVE putting it all the heck away. I feel lucky that C and I agree on this...I can imagine it would be a big point of contention if that wasn't the case.

Low-key is really the best way to describe the whole season this year. I did a good job of sticking to the things I really wanted to do (and even skipped a few on the planned list because when it came down to it I just didn't have the energy). The kids' break from school has actually been a really welcome chance to hunker down at home and just have some lazy days playing with new toys, reading new books and staying in out of the cold. This usually makes me absolutely stir-crazy, but I guess the pace of December in general set me up nicely to enjoy a long winter's break.

Tonight we are going to a NYE party, the duration of our stay at which is unknown at this point. I'm 95% certain we won't be there at midnight (I really don't like staying up late and I kind of can't imagine the kids' behavior tomorrow after that sort of departure from normal schedule) but I'm trying VERY hard not to be too rigid and remember that it's just once a year.

I've never really been a big fan of New Year's Eve (did I mention I don't like staying up late?) but it feels good to take a slightly more celebratory approach this year, rather than the last holiday to "get through." I feel very fortunate not to be bidding 2012 good riddance...I always appreciate the fresh start of a new year but in general 2012 was a great year for our family.

I definitely have a list of tasks/goals/directions I'd like to focus on during the next year, and I plan to come back and write them out (since I know you're all DYING to know) in the next couple of days. Luckily there's nothing that needs such acute focus over the next 365 days that it requires a January 1 start date.

I wish you all a wonderful end to the year, whether it's with a glass of champagne in your pajamas at 10:00 (and I am already envious of those of you celebrating in this manner) or in a slinky party dress as the ball drops at midnight. Here's to a wonderful coming year.