Christmas Happened

Christmas went pretty much as anticipated. SO, that was good. At least I was prepared for the roller coaster, adventure that is our family Christmas.

Sure enough, I wasted time and precious energy making too many cookies.

We forgot a couple important things at home.

Visits I was enjoying were cut short and the schedule had us running.

Weather was crazy cold, but the boys played outdoor hockey Christmas morning anyways. That's the one tradition we really treasure. It wouldn't be "US" if there wasn't morning hockey.

The uncle bought the kids the best presents.  All hail the popular uncle.

Some relative always makes an off colour, snarky remark that makes you wonder what the heck they were getting at. I chalk it up to the alcohol talking, but still it does bug me. Seems so unnecessary.

I felt super guilty that the dogs were in the kennel and that I neglected to buy them some fancy $20 pet store bone to get them thru the holiday. And while I DID forget to buy a treat for my dogs, I spent a ridiculous amount of money on people food and treats.

I missed my old dog Mocha. Missed her soooo much. For years and years, she spent late nights watching me wrap presents, bake cookies, and fuss with last minute preparations. It really hit me as I thought about leaving cookies and milk out for Santa. I used to leave cookies out on a plate near the fireplace and just leave them. Each Christmas morning the cookies would be gone. Santa? Or my sweet Mocha? She used to sneak over and ever so slyly... steal them. It was our secret.  So, without Mocha, this year, I just couldn't put cookies out. I did however, hang her monogrammed ornaments on the tree to remember her.

There's just too much pressure at Christmas. However, we do it for the kids. And they LOVE it. So, that's what makes it all worthwhile. Turns out they don't even notice the bumps, blemishes and the chaos that I feel.