Leading up to Christmas this year was probably the most hectic, stressful, and anxiety-ridden couple of days I’ve had all year. Mostly, I was pissed that I didn’t have any money to go shopping until after a photo session – but it would come only three days before Christmas. I was counting on money I didn’t have, which always upsets me.
We decided to throw an last minute, impromptu Christmas Night party and invited a handful of people. I figured it would be a nice way to unwind after all the fuss, but it ended up being yet another source of stress – as holiday parties often are. First off, the house was a disaster, I hadn’t done my Christmas shopping, I needed to cook for our family’s Christmas Eve party, and I needed to buy supplies for OUR party. In the middle of all that, I missed an entire day due to a bad sinus headache. Rushing around, hitting the malls, power-shopping. It was all too much! Meanwhile, AJB was decorating the house and I was freaking out because I hate doing it all last minute.
We spent Christmas Eve at my cousin DD’s house. Kids a’plenty and a virtual present orgy commenced. Christmas is so great for kids. I mean, it really is the holiday of all holidays for them. The best part is watching them rip open their presents and squee with delight. We had a great meal of tamales, beans, rice, and all the usual fixin’s. Mom made a boat load of holiday cookies that looked straight out of Martha Stewart. DKS made a pumpkin/chocolate cake that was a big hit. Naturally, with so much to do, I didn’t get any baking done this year. Regardless, it was a great night and I love spending time with my family – especially now that my Grandma Laura is so sick, it’s starting to feel like she won’t be with us much longer.
This holiday came and went far too quickly. We got our tree late, we were decorating, shopping, cooking, entertaining, and wrapping gifts with this huge countdown clock over our heads. Needless to say, it all finally caught up with me this morning and I had a major meltdown. Add to this that I miss my Dad and wish my baby brother in Omaha were here; but with a new baby and all, he couldn’t make it.
Today, we got to Mom’s about two hours late. She decorated her house and made a wonderful breakfast feast. We opened presents and then rushed back to our house to get ready for our party. We did it. We got it all done and the house looked amazing! I must say, it looked like one of those houses you see on TV. Simply perfect. The garland I complained about taking so long to hang looked phenomenal. We played classic holiday music, lit candles, laid out a delicious spread, and warmed our buns by the fire. I made spiced rum punch (mental note: make next year) and Mexican hot chocolate. Everything was beyond wonderful. AJB’s kids showed up, his eldest son invited his new girlfriend (whom we all like very much), my Mom came and so did a few friends. It was lovely. We played charades and opened more gifts.
Was it all worth it? *sigh* Yes it was. It always is. I just wish that I could figure out how to get it all done earlier. This last minute hustle and bustle drives me nuts and as proven by this morning’s meltdown, takes me to a place I don’t enjoy going. Somehow, however, it all worked out and it was just about the loveliest holiday anyone could have asked for. With all the stress, I think I forget that it really is about seeing friends and family. That’s it. Spending time with the people who make the other 364 days of the year meaningful.
And now, finally, I can divulge a secret I’ve been keeping for two months. AJB and I are engaged. He proposed on October 15th, but I’ve been waiting to talk about it until all my family knew. And now they all know. We made our official announcement at my cousin’s house last night. Everyone was so happy. When I tell people about how he proposed and I show them the ring, I get ooohs and aahhhs. It’s hard to explain, but it’s sort of like being famous. Everyone wants to congratulate you and see the ring so you end up telling the story numerous times and it gets better each time I tell it as I slowly figure out exactly how to elucidate the turn of events. It actually feels odd to be the center of attention. You’d think it wouldn’t, but it does.
Well, it’s late. I’ll write more about the wedding, the plans, the proposal, and all that later. I’m sleeping in tomorrow. Goodnite Christmas. See you next year.