It's Cold Outside...

It’s cold and snowy here. The roads are an icy mess. It’s perfect stay in with a cup of hot chocolate weather. Accordingly, Gracie and I did very little today. We stayed in our pajamas all morning, watched Mickey Mouse, and made peanut butter play dough. We had to get dressed at noon for a work luncheon, but even that was just downstairs. Afterwards she took a nap, and I wrapped Christmas presents. I’m starting to mind winter less and less with each year that I am in Ohio.

I wrote out Christmas cards this evening, many to extended family. Sometimes it bothers me that I put effort into keeping them involved in our lives, when I know they don’t care. It’s not that they don’t like us; it’s just that we’ve never been close. Before I had children it never bothered me, but now it kind of does. In all fairness, short of sending birthday and holiday cards I don’t strive to do all that much towards keeping in touch either. That’s something I hope turns out different with Gracie. Being that all of my family lives right here and are so close by, I hope she grows up being close with them. I’d never force the issue, but I hope a she gets older, that she chooses to spend time with her Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles.

I love Christmas time. The carols, the smell of baked goods and the decorations always leave me feeling so calm. I like the Christmas cards coming in the mail too. Mail always makes me happy though. I scheduled a night off work for next week; I’m taking Gracie to shop for a name off the angel tree. Afterwards we’ll drive around, drink chocolate milk and hot chocolate and look at Christmas lights. It’s a tradition I really look forward to setting in place. It’s important to me that as Gracie gets older she understands the importance of giving back.

I’m undecided as to next week’s holiday plans. I thought about going to a Christmas Eve service, but I hate to be one of those people who only goes to church once or twice a year. Really, what’s the point? As far as Christmas day goes I’m not sure if it will be spent at home, or with my parents. I'd like to do the Santa thing with just the two of us, but I'm glad my parents want to be involved too. Regardless, as it approaches I’m especially excited because I know Gracie will enjoy opening the gifts this year, even if she is still too young to fully grasp why she gets to do so.