i'll be home for christmas

by the time you read this, the car has been packed and the gifts toppling. we're off on a 3-day jaunt home for the weekend to the big city; to visit favorite shops, give gifts to grandparents and catch the awesome temple square twinkle lights. dan successfully surprised me last year. it was super fun to make the trip home before christmas, to get into the spirit of things. however we'll be nestled back in our cozy idaho home for christmas weekend, just the three of us. the holidays tend to pull us in all directions, but the past few years, dan and i have decided to kick it at home for the festivities. we'll be celebrating with our benji who turns 16 months old christmas day; opening gifts and making swedish crepes (thinnies) together and rejoicing in our homespun fun. maybe a movie and a christmas walk in the fresh air and a lot of downtime to read new books and play with new gadgets. (and try on lots of cute new clothes. hee hee.)

i've had a few friends react with complete disbelief about our seemingly absurd decision to stay here for the holiday. one remarked that i was brave for doing thanksgiving and christmas alone. i'm not so sure about brave, number one. and number two, i've got my boys with me. we are lucky to have had so many quick weekend roadtrips home this year, although it never seems like enough time, it is always fun to be together. i must say, no matter how hard it is to live miles away from family, no matter how much i love a big extravaganza of a christmas (which i really do) with tons of little cousins running about and toys and wrapping paper strewn all over the place - a charming quiet christmas with the two boys i love most is equally as wonderful in my eyes. it's not the same, but it is still just as sweet. i'll be home for christmas because wherever my boys are, is exactly where i want to be. i am super glad that the classic which-family-goes-with-which-holiday debate is long gone in our life. it's such a relief to have folks who respect and support us in our newfangled ways. (i don't think i tell my parents or dan's how cool they are as much as i ought to. they are completely admirable and genuine and fun and amazing and loving.) i'm looking forward to this season as a special small christmas with our new sprout of a family.

plus, we'll be ringing in the new year with everyone back in our hometown. a big hurrah for 2010. there will be no shortage of family bonding. in holiday terms, it's the best of both worlds.

happy weekend to you and best wishes with your final christmas preparations. no matter where you'll be next friday, am wishing you and yours a magical celebration with whomever you are with. tune in next week for some thoughtful (if not last-minute) homemade gift ideas.



dan making first tracks | christmas morning | 2007 | salt lake city, utah
this happens to be the day after discovering i was with child with our benjamin
pretty much the best gift of all