Today is the first day of Winter Break for my kids. The two youngest boys have colds, which my body is trying hard to fight. I am still in my p.j.'s and haven't showered since Saturday. I missed a Christmas party last night, stayed home with the sickest kid, watched movies and did laundry. My girls are spending a few nights at my parent's house, and that provides a somewhat quiet house for me!
I am not ready for Christmas. I can't believe how quickly it snuck up on me, and every year I tell myself I need to save money ahead of time, or shop early. This year I didn't listen (again) and we are waiting on a paycheck, so we are not spending much on gifts. I am either making them, or buying inexpensive, small things for the kids. The big gift for our whole family is going to be in January. We are going to rent a cabin near the mountain and spend several days together playing in the snow, sitting by the fire or in the private hot tub.
I am trying to direct the kids (and myself) to focus more on the true meaning of Christmas. I keep reminding the kids that it is Jesus' birthday, not ours. I want peace and love shared abundantly this season. We are keeping it simple, and aside from the guilt trips I get on occasion by certain teens, I feel like it is going to be a good year.
