Atypical Christmas

This was not a typical Christmas. Everything about it was atypical. It might have been because of the spring-like weather we had during December or because we were so busy with work, church, and ball games that I didn't even have time to shop. I also didn't make Christmas candy or send out Christmas cards (for the first time in 20 years!). We did put our Christmas decorations up early and began listening to Christmas music in November, but the Christmas spirit eluded me throughout the season.

Even Christmas day was atypical. The kids decided they didn't want to open any gifts until after church, so there was no anticipation or waking during early morning hours (did I mention that this is our first official year of not having to hide things, sneak around, or lie about Santa? They all know the truth... and the magic is gone). We didn't have our annual Christmas breakfast, but ate sandwiches at noon when we got home from church instead. Anti-climatic.

We also decided to have an unplugged Christmas this year which might have contributed to the ho-hums. The kids could ask for anything they wanted, as long as it wasn't an electronic of any kind. Without being able to ask for i-pods, cameras, cell phones, or gameboys, they didn't know what to ask for. As a result, their lists were simple and the items on them, inexpensive. At first I felt bad about this, but in hindsight this decision turned out to be a tender mercy. Korry was laid off from his job on January 1st so we were grateful that we hadn't gone overboard or spent too much money. It's funny that I spent so much time trying to find the spirit and it was watching over us all along.


Taylor's List: guitar case, basketball, TOMS, Nutella

Kaycie's List: scrubs, new coat, chick flicks, music, clothes

Jaymon's List: Lego Hogwarts, CARS cars, basketball, ski coat

Lyndsie's List: G-2 pens, makeup, nail polish, basketball, beanbag, coat

Merry Christmas 2012!