You know your kids are grown when they sleep until 9:30 Christmas morning. As it was, DS2 was knocking on the other two doors, announcing, "Christmas!" He wanted to open presents.
You also know your kids are grown when opening presents takes approximately 10 minutes, and within another 10 minutes, everything is put away. It helps that we have sworn off the entire idea of "stocking stuffers" and only get the kids stuff they actually want/can use. Plus, they are old enough now that aunts and uncles have finally quit sending stuff for them... with one exception -- my older sister, who, as DH says, "... is loaded, she has nothing else to spend her money on." True. But everyone else has stepped back, and that's good.
Me, too: this is the first year I haven't sent gift cards ($$$) to my multitudinous nieces and nephews. One of my brothers told me to stop, literally. I respect that, and appreciate it, because although I love my job, I've taken a bit of a pay cut (but I am paying into a pension fund, so it works out.) Still, the cash on hand is not so much in evidence this year. At least I'm not paying for grad school -- that helps.
The rib roast is resting on the counter, and I have to go defrost the shrimp. Last year's lobster tail was inexplicably bitter, and I'd rather not go through that hassle just to be disappointed again. Dinner preparations will begin eventually.
There's a pitcher of mimosas in the fridge, Christmas music on Pandora, and fresh balsam candles making the house smell like a Christmas tree. I'd love to bake something but my students completely overwhelmed me with their gifts of delicious things, so it would be silly to add more. It's very quiet here, with everyone off in their own corner doing whatever -- the way it usually is.
Still, everyone is home, and happy. And so is my heart, this Christmas.
1 comment:
Everyone home and happy, doing their own thing in their own corner.... who could ask for more! Have a beautiful post holiday week and an equally wonderful 2018!
Post a Comment