On or about December 4th I remembered, very clearly, why last year I only managed a few blog posts through out the month of December.

December is busy and in between everything that makes a Christmas special is the “normal” every day stuff.

The month was full;

of cookies and twinkling lights,

eyes full of surprise and wonder,

hidden treasures and lessons of love.

There was of course school, and trips to the store (many stores)

and let us not forget the arguments and the re-learning to share,

the messes and the tears (neither that lasted for long).

There were projects and crafts

an elf to find and advent envelopes to open daily

singing and dancing

pizza parties and movie nights

family, Santa

and lots and lots of fun.

December was without one thing, and this is probably the only thing I can say that December lacked at that is snow.

Every year near the end of say October I start to envision what our holiday season will be like.

With all the “elders” that gently remind me to “enjoy every second because they grow up so fast” it is hard not to feel pressured to create the BEST Christmas the boys have ever had.

Once the house is decorated though and the first batch of sugar cookies wait on the table to be grossly decorated with the cleverly disguised pieces of sugar I recognize what I always do every season, what is truly important.

I still allow myself to get caught up in the hustle though because a sick part of me truly loves the rush of euphoria it creates in my head and I admit, which I’m sure most of you already know, that I also over indulge in the material goodies that the season has unfortunately become all to well known for.

I do though, rejoice in my own way, I count my blessings, I give thanks and I try to be kind and good.

I love those that love me and even some that might not.

I stared at my sparkly twinkling tree each night, studying the ornaments that are beginning to resemble a collection of a well worn in family and I let the true holiday spirit take its place inside me.

For a few days there wasn’t much else that mattered.

And it was good, like the best kind of good.