As always, we are so thankful for the reason of the season... It was over 2000 years ago God gave us one gift that is unmeasurable and unimaginable to any reasonable mind. This year we have downsized our gifts to the kids. I wish we could say it was for noble reasons, but the gratitude and appreciation from the kids came just the same. We did not fill our tree with gifts, like years past. We decided with all the toys they already get, and such few vacations we have actually taken as a family, we will be taking the kids on a cruise instead. We've prepared the kids for this, which will hopefully become a new tradition. Austin was the only one concerned, but that's just because he didn't want the long car trip. With the kids backing this new idea, we found our tree was going to be pretty bare through Christmas. So we turned our family Christmas into silly gifts that could be found around the house. What fun! We had many homemade gifts, and just randomness. It was such joy watching the kids face on how crazy their gift would be, waiting for the other one to laugh. After this Christmas, I feel so blessed with the extra time spent with the kids; the extra laughs we got to share with one another, and all the healthy days they have had throughout the year- however, I will enjoy my fever induced cuddles while I get them.
Wishing you all had a happy and healthy Christmas with your family.
