Here, There and Everywhere

    What a chaotic few days! As I get older I understand more and more the stress that often comes with the holiday season, especially now that we have Jr.  When I was young, Christmas Eve was spent with my dad's side of the family, Christmas morning with my immediate family and Christmas Day with my mom's side of the family. Boxing Day we would go tobogganing with our cousins. When we moved to Montreal that obviously changed and when my siblings and I found our mates, things changed again. Now we are all married with our own kids and things have changed yet again. Things are no longer so carefree. I should thank my parents for creating such carefree childhood memories of Christmas! Now it's about lists -- shopping, groceries, "to-do" around the house.. It's about preparing and visiting. All these things are worth doing, no doubt about it, but they do take their toll. Now that Jr. is here, there are even more considerations. Should she nap before we go? Is there time? Should she eat before we go? Is there time? Change her diaper before we go. Cloth her in a special outfit. Bring her toys. Bring her food. If she's fussy while visiting, is she just hungry? Is she tired? Is she just overwhelmed by all the people? Should we go home? How much longer can she last? These things have become second nature to us now but they're more than what we had to think about last year at this time.

    This year was a first for me: my hubby and I hosted Christmas dinner for my family on Boxing Day. (Christmas Day was with hubby's family and my siblings spend Christmas Eve with their in-law families so that leaves Boxing Day for my family.) I was very nervous about the turkey. But with the help of my sister and YouTube, we managed all right. No one left hungry, I'm sure! There was so much food left over we made everyone take some home. By the time everyone left I was ready to fall asleep where I stood. Thankfully, Jr. slept through the entire night, waking up at quarter to 8 this morning. Hopefully this trend will continue!

    Hubby is on vacation for two weeks. I'm so happy. Of course, we've packed almost every moment with visits and outings, to make the most of our time together. I know it will fly by.

    You'll have to forgive me if this post seems a bit like I'm rambling and going all over the place. I think I still need to catch up on my sleep. Suffice to say it was a special Christmas because it was Jr.'s first. She didn't understand anything, obviously, but seeing the joy she brought everyone was wonderful.