The decision I made to take a break from blogging over the holidays turned out to be one of the best professional decisions I’ve made in a long time. Compared to last year, when I was stressed out and grumpy over having to be away from my computer, this year my mind was clear and I was able to truly enjoy everything about Christmas. Consequently, it was one of the best Christmases I (and my family) have had in a long time.
My Dad and Stepmom went to Arkansas to be with her mother, so instead of our usual Christmas Eve at Dad’s house, we just hung out here at home. We watched movies, played video games, and then sent the kids to bed so Chris and I could do our traditional “wrapping all the presents on Christmas Eve”. Even though we both bitch about it, neither of us ever wraps anything ahead of time, so I guess we both like staying up together late on Christmas Eve to wrap.
Oh, Chris made the BEST coffee for us to drink to help us stay up so late – a mix of Boca Java’s Vacation Villa Vanilla and Frosty Snow coffee beans, ground together, then flavored with French Vanilla creamer and a shot of Bailey’s. SO GOOD.
Christmas morning was wonderful. Nathan’s big gift was a bike, which we left sitting out in front of the tree.
I tend to buy too much for the stockings, making them too heavy to hang from the stocking holders, so those went under the tree too.
I gave Chris a list of suggested gifts to buy me for Christmas. When I saw the pile with my name on it on Christmas Day, I was shocked. He and the kids spoiled me rotten this year! There were snowman ornaments for the tree that he had bought last summer in Traverse City and kept hidden all this time, and a wonderful, WONDERFUL assortment of PERFECT gifts.
The box on the left is “Twilight Woods” perfume from Bath & Body Works, which Chris and the boys picked out together. They told me that they had all agreed that it smelled “really pretty”, and it does! The main “notes” are cedar and tobacco, and it smells amazing layered over the Warm Vanilla Sugar shower gel and lotion (also Bath & Body Works). I also got….
See what I mean? Spoiled rotten! Considering what a tough year 2009 was for Chris and I, I felt like he did more than just buy me Christmas presents. I feel like he said to me, through those presents, that he still knows who I am, likes who I am, and that everything is going to be okay.
Which is pretty much the best Christmas gift of all.
Since this is already so long, I’m going to do another post tomorrow about the kids’ gifts, and our visit to Chris’ Dad’s house on Christmas Day. Thanks for reading!
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It sounds like you reconnected! Way to go on enjoying Christmas and all it brings. Your kids will always remember that. I love all the things you got for Christmas and yes, he does love you!
Seems like you had a good Christmas, thats good hopefully 2010 will turn out as well as your Christmas
You have been really good this year
; I too love the Bath & Body works products, they are a treat. But, this year instead of buying presents, I’ve decided to organize a trip abroad, which turned out to be terrific.
Nice to see you had a wonderful Christmas. Love reading your blog btw
I am so glad you got to really enjoy Christmas this year & got a nice break from the computer!
You got some wonderful gifts too! My husband also really surprised me this year with something nice, but like you it was more about the message he sent with it.
It looks like you had a wonderful Christmas with your Family! Thanks for sharing!
Twitter: homemom3
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sounds like a nice, relaxing christmas break with the family….might’ve been just what ya needed. I too took a relaxing break from life and just enjoyed the family.
I’m so jealous of your perfume and lotion and shower gel. I must have some kind of allergy to anything scented, because if I wear perfume or scented lotions, my eyes itch, my nose runs, and I’m just miserable. So, as good as they smell, I can’t use them!!! Whenever someone walks by smelling so yummy, I get jealous all over again.
Looks like a very merry Christmas indeed!
What a lovely christmas you seem to have had! mine was very nice to but with only my father and his wife. The new year has started well, let’s hope it continues that way!
Looks like everyone had a wonderful Christmas; but I don’t understand being stressed about blogging. Blogging is fun, it’s a hobby so don’t stress about it, enjoy it.
I found escaping to the computer some helped me clear my mind after all the noise and chaos that can be found in a large family gathering.
Happy New Year
The only thing I don’t like about Christmas is that I end up spending too much money on myself and gifts for others.
Glad you had a great time!
- Kai
Loved the vanilla products! I would like them in rose too. sounds like you had a good Christmas!
That looks lie a lot of gifts! You must have had a great time, and the boy looks so happy!
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You have great post with enjoyable writing style. Nice to visit your blog. Thanks for sharing your opinion about Christmas
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