There is a lot that goes into the Christmas season and a lot of people consider it a success if they just make it through the holidays.
This season was a relatively quiet one for the family. Much of my family is in the Philippines (11,000km away) and the remainder is somewhat closer in Unity, Saskatchewan which is only 1500km away. Either way they are too far to visit.
Now some people would say its the holidays just fly and visit. Well, there are a few problems with that. If I visit my family my wife's family will be upset. If I visit my wife's family then my family will be upset. Regardless as a Pharmacist its the busiest time of year and the boss needs everyone present. As a nurse my wife has to work regularly--people don't stop needing care just because its a holiday.
Therefore it was a holiday at home. There were of course many steps along the Christmas process:
Setting up the Christmas Trees and decorating the house
My wife is the chief interior decorator for Christmas, however, I'm called in to help. Getting everything festive is part of Christmas for us.
Buying the Christmas Turkey
(Utility Turkey)
Now people think that a turkey for Christmas is a must because its holiday themed. Honestly, I like it because its the most meat for the best price if you look for the sale price. The fact that it looks good, is easy to prepare, and enjoyed by everyone is just a happy coincidence.
However, this particular turkey caused some friction in the house. If you notice it is a utility turkey which means that it may not be cosmetically perfect. I don't care because it just gets carved up anyways. Also it is a 7-9kg turkey which to me means a good size.
Well, after a long day at work my wife came home to start prepping the turkey. She noticed a wing missing and it looked too small for all the people coming over. She got upset with me for buying a small, defective turkey. It was the frustration of a long way work talking so I just took it in stride and went to walk the dog.
Overall everyone enjoyed the turkey. No-one even noticed the missing wing. There was plenty left over at the end of the night.
(Shopping at mall)
Heading to the mall. Going on Amazon. Trying to find the perfect gift. All part of the holidays. However, now that the children are older and can buy anything they want themselves the gift is more symbolic than something they truly need.
My wife got a new cell phone.
My oldest son got a VR headset
My youngest son some weights and large punching bag.
I got a new pillow
Hmm...maybe I should trade my gift for my wife's 🤣
Friendship at Christmas
(Christmas Eve Dinner)
If you didn't know the best part of Christmas is the people you share it with. In our house that means a big dinner on Christmas eve. Friends, Family (our children and cousins) all enjoying food together. A wonderful time had by all.
Faith
As a Christian heading to church and remembering the birth of Christ. Attending Christ's Mass (Christmas) is an important celebration. However, we do it on Christmas eve. The true center of Christmas happens the next day.
(Christmas Church Service)
Family Memories
However, the one thing I've done this Christmas.
The One thing I want to remember
The One thing I look forward to.
Spending Christmas morning with my wife and kids.
I made pancakes, eggs, and sausage for breakfast. I wasn't going to but my youngest told me I'd done it every year that he could remember so I had to do it this year.
Then we sat down for a little while. No cellphones. No distractions. No work to go to (everything is closed). No kids running off to be with their friends or girlfriends (they are spending time with their family).
Just a little while eating our traditional breakfast followed by an hour opening presents, spending time together, and chatting about what we got, how we got it and spending time and smiles together.
Without my phone there I don't have a picture to share. Likewise with my children. My wife got one good picture but hasn't shared it with me.
But honestly I'm OK with that.
Perhaps I don't remember the exact details from a lot of Christmas days they just fade into a blur of years. However, I do remember love and family from every Christmas and that's enough for me.
What's the one thing I did this Christmas?
Spent time with my family
That's enough for me.
Thanks for reading
and as always, I love comments