Family over Gifts

This year has probably been the best Christmas I have had in years. While yes last year I was beyond thankful it was a different feeling. My sister, brother-in-law, niece, and nephew drove down here from Central California to spend Christmas with us and our parents. It was wonderful, crazy, fun, and much needed. Having the kids together is amazing, even with living 5 hours apart they are still pretty close. You can see the connection between them and to me, that is what makes it all worth it. I was sad to see them go, in fact, it was almost depressed. I wish we could convince them to actually move here and them do it but I also know they have other factors back home to consider.

I have noticed the older I get the more Christmas is not about the gifts(well it never has been), but I mean we don't rush to open, and when we do we take our time. The kids are grateful for everything every year and so are we as adults. Our gifts to each other and our parents are starting to become more sentimental which I am glad for as I would like to hand some of these things down to my grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

I enjoy the lights and decorations within my house and yard but even more seeing my neighbors do the same. This year it was stormy and cold so we didn't go do our normal but in all honesty it was just as good being here at home waiting and celebrating in the way we did.