Christmas this year has been a roller coaster, but we are counting our blessings. An unexpected benefit was that my mom got to spend the night on Christmas Eve, so we were able to share the 4-year old joys of Christmas morning with her. My son and mom adore each other so this was a special treat all around. He actually climbed into her guest bed in the middle of the night, so when he tip-toed out of bed at 6:00 a.m. and peeked over the stair railing, she was the first to get to hear the giddy squeals, "I think Santa came!!!!"
This year in particular I experienced some uncomfortable emotions where I found myself questioning, "Did we get him enough stuff?" When I pulled out James' gifts to wrap late on Christmas Eve, it didn't feel like that much and I started to doubt myself. As soon as I hear the question in my head, I know it sounds ridiculous. I think the "is it enough" question comes from just wanting the love we feel so deeply to be truly conveyed and felt by those we give gifts to. It's just something I have to remind myself that the gift itself will never be able to convey the love I feel. The gift is just a thing and the important part is the love behind the gift. Picking out something with thoughtfulness is what's enough. My mom is so good at that. She knows James loves music and found a record player with headphones that plays 78s and 45s. Then she found records of kid songs. Of course he didn't even know what it was at first! But afterwards, he couldn't get enough of it.
I'm thankful to have family that all pitched in and helped make Christmas dinner at our house stress-free and delicious. Both my sisters-in-law (my husband's sister and my brother's wife) both prepared food to bring over since they knew I'd spent many days leading up to Christmas in the hospital and didn't get to make the dishes I had planned. My favorites this year were Jessica's jalepeno creamed corn and Stacey's spinach salad. I need to share those recipes- they are so good. I made Santa hat cheesecake bites and they were a big hit.
Today, after the hospital, we'll be playing with toys and taking it easy. If you got some Christmas cash or have some exchanges to make, be on the lookout for the after-Christmas sales. This is the best time to get Christmas decor, even though it may be a bit picked over. There are still lots of treasures for a steal this time of year.
ANN TAYLOR: 60% off your purchase (excludes new arrivals). Use code ANN60 FREE shipping on $175 or more & $8.95 flat rate shipping.
ANTHROPOLOGIE: Winter tag sale. Extra 25% off lots of just-added sale items. Use code INAFLURRY Free shipping on orders over $150 with code FS150.
J. CREW: 30% off full-price styles and extra 40% off winter sale styles with code HOLIDAYTIME $5 flat rate shipping and FREE shipping on orders over $150.
NORDSTROM: Always FREE shipping & FREE returns.
OLD NAVY: After holiday sale. Take an extra 20% off already reduced styles. Online only.
POTTERY BARN: Holiday Sale. Up to 60% off.
SOLE SOCIETY: Invite friends and earn $25. Fast and free shipping.
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