Christmas Day

Merry Christmas everyone!   We got up about the time we usually do on Christmas day, but somewhat reluctantly.  Marley woke us both out of a sound sleep with her whining to go out.  So we got up, let her out, and sat down to open our gifts.

The fire was going, coffee was made, and the gift un-wrapping began.  We both gave each other some nice things.  It doesn't take long when there is just two of you so we quickly finished and I started breakfast.  We even scrambled an egg and put in Marley's food - did she ever gobble it down!  After breakfast I made the cheeseball to take over to my daughter's this afternoon (granddaughter's request) then got the hams on to bake/heat up for lunch later today.  Sure is smelling the house up good! 

My brother got an ipad for Christmas so he and I connected via facetime this morning.  I should have combed my hair and put makeup on first!  LOL  Good thing I was dressed!   My sissy checked in and her hubby got her a van for Christmas.  I asked what kind and she said 'I don't know - it's a van'!  That is my sissy - and me too.  Give me something that runs!

It is quiet around here this morning.  Marley is sitting in a chair outside, occasionally barking at the birds.  She makes sure the birds - and the cats - do not land in our yard for she certainly chases them off!  Or tries too.  Tom is reading/playing games on his Kindle and here I am on the computer.  Still have plenty of time before my son and his family come over so can get on here for awhile before cleaning up.

I love having my children and grandchildren over for Christmas, but understand they always can't be here on the day.  For one, my daughter and son-in-law started their own 'tradition' a few years ago that if we are to see them we have to come to their house.   That makes them on 'our' schedule but that doesn't seem to bother them.  They know that we will come - for the grandchildren's sake anyway.

I've been pondering, given that my middle child isn't going to hang out at his sister's this afternoon as in the past, if we ought to look again at how we do Christmas.  I remember one year we had our Christmas with them on Christmas Eve.  It went ok.  I realize it is harder when you have family and trying to load up everything and transport kids and gifts.  It's a headache when you have parents houses to visit and other family members.  I understand all that. 

In being selfish and 'all about me' - what I would love is having everyone together.  But, given that it will never be that way again, I wonder if I ought to consider picking an evening for just one family to come over and exchange gifts, have dinner togther just before Christmas.  They could still come and hang out but the 1:1 time (which I enjoy) would be done.  Still, I have a whole nother year to think about it - and probably do nothing but let them figure out what works best with their schedules.

I'm understanding more and more how my mama felt about different things at different holidays and at different stages of life.  I understand her comments now; doesn't mean I accept nor like them. 
Today is a celebration of Life.  Each of us is in a different stage of life.  I think I am mellowing out.  Things just aren't as important as they once were - depending on what it is, of course.  Unfortunately the things that are still very important to me are not as important to others - different stages of life, like I said.

Well, before I start to ramble I need to get off here and get cleaned up.  First thing my brother said when he saw me on facetime - 'fix your hair girl!'  Made me laugh.  I forgot he could actually see what I look like when we talk on facetime.  I really should fix it - my son and family will be here soon.

Christmas blessings to you and yours.  May you get everything you wished for - and more.