I hope each of you had a wonderful Christmas, in whatever level of wonderfulness was possible for you.
Yesterday we tried something new for Christmas. My husband and I prepared our fancy Christmas dinner just for us and our children. On Christmas Eve we celebrated with my husband’s family, which was very nice, as it always is. I really enjoy getting together with my husband’s family. I wanted a time, though, that we made special just for our own little family unit, that we prepared just what we wanted, made it special and used the Christmas china, taking a pause together.
And it was really nice. We had a great dinner and we relaxed together as a family, amid what can be the craziness of Christmas. Yes, I had to remind my teenager to take his elbows off the table about 6 times (and yes, I am picking my battles, here, people). It was nice to sit together for a meal and not be rushed by bedtimes, homework and activities, and not argue about who had to eat what, or have one more bite.
Later that evening, family and friends joined us for dessert and conversation and the relaxed state of the day continued. I wanted to establish our own family traditions for a meal and hope to do it very much like this again next year. It was a great pause.
It was low key, and yet very intentional. No grand plans. No games or required lists to make. No massive reflections or speeches. Just time together in our home with no rushing required. I loved it. I’m glad I made the change.
What about you? Did you do something different this year that you loved? Or do you have a peaceful family tradition you love? I’d love to hear about either in the comments.
Merry Christmas, friends.
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