The Holiday Hustle and Bustle

Every year as the holidays approach kitchens fill with the smell of delicious baked goods, kids start making lists and being really well-behaved, parent's schedules seem to be packed, the stores are overflowing with shoppers, and TRAFFIC - let's not get me started on traffic.  It's easy to get caught up in all of the extra hustle and bustle of the season.  Many people get overwhelmed and become short tempered and grumpy. 

I absolutely LOVE the holidays and everything that comes with it.   When I start to feel stressed I remind myself of the "spirit" of the season and how many wonderful things that I am thankful for.  This year I am even more excited than usual because Kaitlyn and Dillon are SO excited. 

Our family decorates for Christmas right after Thanksgiving.  I am looking forward to all of the "help" that I am going to have putting ornaments on the tree and getting the decorations out in the house.  There will be a mixture of feelings when we plug the tree in for the first time.  Kaitlyn will appreciate the whole tree, Dillon will be mesmerized by the lights, Emy will want to put the lights in her mouth (if only she could reach them), and Lucky will be afraid at first. 

During Kaitlyn's break from school next week we are going to sit down and write our letters to Santa.  It's like I am a young child all over again - helping Dillon look through all of the toy catalogs that we have and watching his eyes light up as he says, "I want that.  I want that." 

Christmas Eve night is my absolute favorite part of the holiday season - it is our amazingly simple family ritual that I love so much.  We spend a few hours just driving through neighborhoods looking at different Christmas light displays.  It is peaceful and a non-technology time for our family.  We go to mass on Christmas Eve and it is a BEAUTIFUL mass.  Then it's time to head home and put the kids to bed so Santa can come during the night. 

There are so many great things about the season - my mom's pumpkin bread, all the time with family, the decorations, the lights glistening off of the snow, the bright eyes of young kids, and the celebration of Christ's birth.  I hope you are getting in the holiday spirit - remember to appreciate the meaning of the season and enjoy the hustle and bustle.  Make a to-do list, start on it early, and check things off as you go to keep from feeling overwhelmed and grumpy!!!  May God bless you and your family during this season and always!

Happy Holidays!