Christmas 2012

You know, people always tell you that the holidays are better when you have kids. I used to think to myself, well, they can't be any worse that's for sure. Okay, let me explain that last statement. As I've grown older, for some reason the holidays have become times to endure through instead of enjoy. I don't know how I got to that point, but I truly couldn't wait for Christmas to get over with so I could stop going bankrupt and start saving money again. I really would just look around and think what a shame it is that everyone is willing to knock you down to get that last toy, or that people feel obligated to literally go into debt to make sure that everyone gets a present. That is so not what Christmas is about and it always, without fail, left a bad taste in my mouth. I, for the last several years, have been happy to leave the holidays behind and get back to life. How sad.
Well, I think I can say that this Christmas was the best Christmas ever!!! It's true, when you have a child, everything changes and the holidays are no exception...and I didn't even go bankrupt! We had the good fortune of having Austin's mom, brother and 9 year old niece join us for Christmas this year, which made it even more fun and special. But, nothing compares to the joy on Christmas morning of watching our little Trevor open presents and be so excited to get new toys. He's far too young to understand who Santa Claus is, or even the true meaning of Christmas for that matter, but watching his face light up when we allowed him to rip open presents will make me smile until we get to do it again next year. It truly transported me back to the excitement of my own childhood when I could hardly sleep from all the excitement and would sneak to get my stocking at 5 a.m. It made me remember to lighten up and not take life so seriously. Sometimes we just have to go with the flow and let the true spirit of Christmas happen naturally.