Christmas Time

Christmastime is here... (you should be hearing Charlie Brown's Christmas in your head)

I'm not a big fan of Christmas. Don't know that I ever have been. My earliest Christmas memories are great, but still not a big fan. Patty used to be the first one up and would run to the front room to see what Santa had brought - then wake the rest of the family. She still has that same enthusiasm for Christmas.

I hate the pressure that is placed on people at this time of year. To the point that I have tried to cancel the whole holiday. No success yet.

So instead I have decided to just do what I like - have family time.

The Smith Family gathering was early this year. Nicole and Ryan had their honeymoon trip planned to begin the 19th of December and returning the 6th of January. So mom moved the Christmas celebration to the 13th of December.

We tried to arrange the grandkids that were present for the annual Christmas picture under the tree. Honestly I think it would have been easier to get 10 cats to look at the camera and smile at the same time! Skylar made out like a bandit. The best toy of all that day was the $1 stethoscope from Aunt Dada. He checked everyone's heart rate then gave them a shot. Nicole's shot was up the nose for some reason.

Hayden and Bella weren't able to make it on the 13th - they came a few days later - but we managed to get their picture also. Hayden was full of thank you's and oh man's and AWESOME. He received a nintendo something and a kit to spy on Mom... Bella opened a baby doll but loved the dancing reindeer. She even began packing her own Christmas bag. We were able to take the telephone out before she left with it.

The point to this blog is: No matter where you are, take a few minutes to savor the family. We don't know what tomorrow brings - find the happiness in the now.

Long days and pleasant nights.