Hello From Christmas

Hello from the 5th day of Christmas. Is it day 5? I think so. Christmas 2022 will henceforth and forever more be known as the year Christmas barely happened. Or the year I fully became disenchanted with holidays. Or the year in which I took barely any pictures. 

I mean, it came. Certainly. With amounts of joy and sugar and presents. But I was not feeling it. 

We put up our tree on Black Friday like we always do. And the nativity. And nothing else. We only hung stockings the week before. And while it's all still up... if I had to wager it isn't going to make it til Ephiphany because clean is just better. 

Winter break started without much fanfare. It was crazy cold. And there was that pesky storm. Which meant we needed to head to MN early to miss the storm. So we did. When I tell you that I packed my duffle bag the very morning we were meant to leave please take that as your sign that I just didn't care. (For reference I began packing for our Disney trip weeks in advance.) 

But we made it to MN with no problem. No one was traveling on Tuesday before Christmas. 

We also followed an Oreo truck which we all enjoyed. 

Wednesday it snowed pretty dang good. 8 inches or so. Up there schools were still in session but they called off. They wouldn't have needed to, it was super cold but didn't start snowing a ton until later that night. My kids went sledding which was a hoot for them. It was like -5° or something real temp so they only lasted about 20 minutes but I was happy they got to go out. 

While we were there, fun was had. Games were played. Pinatas were hit. (That may end up being a new Christmas tradition, to be honest.) But I just didn't take many pictures. 

The storm messed up all the plans. We were supposed to leave on Saturday but ended up needing to stay until Christmas morning. But we had already had "fake Christmas Eve" the night before. Which was good but then real Christmas Eve felt weird. But the roads were closed until about noon and at that point, it was kinda late to pack up and head back. But bonus, we could watch the Vikings game. And we went to Christmas Eve Mass in MN. (Not the Christmas Day Mass at home we planned.) 

And you know what? That first Christmas didn't go according to plan either. And still, He came. Mass was exactly what I needed and even not being home was okay because reading my childhood parish's bulletin gave me some ideas for work. The Mass was very moving and I really enjoyed the homily. I am ultimately really happy about how it all went. 

Driving home on Christmas day was actually great. The roads had really been cleared well, it was sunny and not as windy anymore, and there were very few people on the road with us. 

And while I took no cute pictures of their matching pajamas or even any pictures of them with their gifts... it's okay. All is well. 

This week has been a mishmash of nothing. We've all been home and just playing, sleeping, and not doing anything at all. Just how I would want to spend my days off. Perpetual Saturdays and all. I am sad that school and life start up again so soon but, overall, it was pretty good. 

One of C's big wants this year was more "fluffy pillows" 

Did he need them? Not even a little bit. But 6 pillows, with 3 different sets of Peanuts pillowcases is fine by me if it makes him happy. 

As it happens, today is 63 and sunny. All the snow here at home melted and I am not even a little bit sad about it. 

And so that is what we have been up to. It really really isn't much. Since it's so nice out we are actually grilling tonight. M and I made Scottish scones from one of her cookbooks this morning. 

We've honestly all been super chill but we are cooking something fun daily. Which is nice. Instead of one large feast, it's been a whole week of feasts in our own little ways. 

And just to leave you with a little smile. This has me legit cracking up.