Home for the Holidays

It's the more wonderful time of the year!

This feels like a really special occasion. I haven’t been home for the holidays after 3 seasons abroad, seeing the likes of Spain, and Berlin during the last 2 years. There’s some pretty interesting stories there, like how everything was closed in Berlin, so Nick and I ended up eating donair’s for Christmas dinner 1 year. I think we ran into the same problems this last year and ended up eating candy and snacks from a corner store after spending a day taking in the city sights in Madrid. Amateurs. 

We made our own hilarious holiday memories navigating through Europe. But, this year I am excited to be home for the holidays, celebrating with my family and his.

 Now, if I’ve learnt anything over the years about the true meaning of christmas (apart from learning that Santa doesn’t exist) I think ‘The Grinch’ sums it up perfectly with this quote; 

“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!”

Don’t get me wrong, I love presents, who doesn't, but the holidays are much better when you’re surrounded by all of your loved ones. No surprise there. Even better with continual christmas music, and the family favourite Christmas log on TV beside our festive tree.  

My family has 2 very important Christmas traditions that I've missed these last few years.

First, on Christmas Eve we are allowed to open 1 present, sometimes 2 if we are lucky. That present is ALWAYS some new pyjamas so we can greet Santa in style, and look good on Christmas morning. 

Second, on Christmas day we are allowed to open our stockings in the morning, but we can’t open the presents under the tree until after dinner. That was agonizing as a kid, but it’s always made the day last a little bit longer, and the christmas feels endure the day.  

As us kids have grown up we realized Santa doesn't exist, it's just mom eating the cookies and milk while we sleep and putting the stockings by our bed. That none of us are morning people. And that the best presents aren't the ones you find under the tree.

Happy holidays, and Merry Christmas from my family to yours! xo