In the lead-up to Christmas when I was trying to organise the tap shows, the shopping and just all the other things you need to do at the end of the year (teacher presents, Christmas cards), I was feeling completely stressed, and rather resentful of all the work. Luckily for me, Jodie posted this and woke me up to what an idiot I was being. Her words made me realise that this so-called work is actually the best kind, because what I was really doing was creating fun and memories and excitement. And that one day in the not-too-distant future, my kids are going to be grown-ups and all that ado and anticipation will be gone. So I decided to cherish the effort instead of resenting it, because I still have my sweet excited children for a few more years, and they are what make Christmas the best time of year.
So here is my list of the things that made me happy this Christmas, and more than made up for having to visit shopping malls or slave away in the kitchen.
The fun of decorating the Christmas tree with my family.
The fun of our Mothers Group annual Christmas party, our thirteenth together. This was taken pre water-fight.
The fun of having children who love to enter in to the spirit of Christmas.
The excitement of Christmas Eve, of making sure you tire out your children with bike rides and swimming so that they'll be able to get to sleep that night, of leaving out Santa snacks and hanging out the stocking and of writing a hasty last-minute note to Santa because for the first time ever we didn't post an official one.
The fun of opening stockings in the early hours of Christmas morning.
And then, after breakfast, of opening the family Christmas presents under the tree.
The excitement of receiving a present you really, really wanted.
I got a fez! I got a fez!
I got a bike basket, I got a bike basket!
And then a lovely day spent with family, including Ma Fixit who is finally out of hospital after nearly 4 months, and who struggled desperately with having to sit quietly while her daughters-in-law (and her husband and children) did the bulk of the work.
Followed by a long and relaxing evening with my Dad and my extended family.
So it was a very Happy Christmas for us, and I've had plenty of time since to recover from the 'work' involved. Hope yours was too!
I saw some of these pics on the bookfaceinstawhatsys and did feel a bit nostalgic ..... I am glad you enjoyed your christmas, I really don't want to be one of those old ladies who tell you to enjoy your kids blah blah blah, but what I wouldn't give for a real exciting stocking opening session.
ReplyDeleteSweet happy Christmas faces, love them.
ReplyDeleteGood on you for deciding to join all the fun instead of feeling resentful. Sometimes motherhood, school, the running like mad feels overwhelming but as you've said the kids will grow up and...... Hope you have a lovely New Year.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Anita.
Excellent work woman. I'm guessing the after water-fight pic would be one for the 21st archives.
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas Stomps!
ReplyDeleteI especially love your bike-basket .. and your kidlets are getting sooo big!! xx
The Fez! Too funny and so true that the excitement at receiving one won't always be there.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes! Cherish these days. Glad you had a lovely time. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteI really cherished my casual christmas this year, but I did think a few times that it is certainly not as special as when there are kids. My grandma made a few wistful comments to that effect. I guess it was special in a different way but certainly not as intense!
ReplyDeleteAlso, good lord Climber is turning into a Young Man fast! Tell him to slow it down a bit, would you, it about gave me a heart attack seeing how Grown he looks.