Joy.

It is reentering.  Slowly.

Joy.

The spirit of Christmas.

Carlitos and I dipped and decorated the heck out of our peanut butter cookies yesterday morning.  With Christmas music playing in the background.  And it didn’t feel rushed.

It felt lovely.

My husband and I wrapped presents last night.  We also finally had an actual conversation about what our family Christmas traditions are going to be and how we can incorporate both of our past traditions.  I want us both to feel like we are passing some things on from our youth.  From our memories.  And yet, we want to make some new traditions that are just ours.  You kind of assume that this will just…play out.  But it really doesn’t.

We have been together for almost 10 years.  This is Carlitos’ 4th Christmas.  Yet, this is the first time we really sat down and hashed out what each of our personal traditions were and how we could incorporate and compromise to create memories for our kids that they can trace back to both of their parents’ cultures.   I have to tell you, I am very excited to finally start our unique mash-up of Christmas traditions.  Especially since Carlitos might actually remember this Christmas forever for the first time.

Then, this morning, our nanny (or, mother’s helper, really, since I never leave this home – hermit)  brought gifts for the boys and it so, so warmed my heart.  She bought them the most thoughtful gifts.  I mean, just exactly what they would want and perfect for their age and personality.  I let them open them already and they were both ecstatic.  It was really so kind and generous and made me so thankful that she clearly loves my boys very much.

Unfortunately for us, they are totally going to love her more than us once they see what we got them for Christmas and compare it to what she got them.

Hmmm, socks, mommy?  Really?

Well, you are always running out of them! But you LOVE socks! …right?

I love puzzles and school buses that can drive on puzzles a lot more.  A LOT more.

I just don’t really have a rebuttal.  *shame*

In my defense, we are giving both boys slippers, too.   They will have to try to contain themselves.

In all seriousness though, I am ready to look at the positive.  To notice all of the wonderful, kind generous acts happening around me.  To be excited about all of the family and friends and friends of family and family of friends that are choosing to spend their Christmas with us.  To focus on the giving.   And to pay attention to the happiness on the faces of my children.

I am ready.

Bring it on, Christmas Joy, bring it on.