all i want for christmas.

Last year we had a very intense Christmas. So intense I seriously considered doing away with the entire holiday this year and ordering in pizza instead. But a year is a long time, and I'm lactose intolerant.  It's eleven months later, and I find I’m more excited about Christmas this year than I have been in a long time. Our wreath is already hung on the front door, plans for hanging outdoor lights with my neighbour have been made (this Sunday - hell or high water!), and Christmas cookies have been purchased.

Whoa. What? Cookies…purchased?

That’s right. This year I bought a boat load of Christmas cookies at Trader Joes.  I'm sure the kids and I will make some gingerbread or sugar cookies.  I'm looking forward to seeing what sorts of mangled stars and candy cane cookies they create.  But the main thing for me is that it doesn't all have to be perfect, because it never is.  All I want for Christmas is for everyone to be relaxed, find some joy in the day, and that Max and Cameron have fun.  That is it.

If at the end of Christmas day, everyone has a full tummy, a smile on their face and a warm heart, then I will consider the day a success.  It isn't about putting out a tray of home baked cookies that Martha would be proud of.  And it certainly is not about spending a bunch of money (that we don't have) on things that people don't really need.  It's about Cameron's excited face when she sees Christmas lights, and Max's fascination with the tree decorations.  It's about good smells coming from the kitchen and just enough snow that we have a white Christmas without driving becoming a hassle.  It's about finding a quiet moment to sit and be content.  It's about Christmas music, red and green pajamas and fresh coffee and cinnamon buns for breakfast and creating new holiday traditions with Max and Cameron. 

Most of all, it's about family, whether they be near or far.