Christmas Adulting

Sap stained, pine needle embedded, and just plain tired, my super star husband lay under the massive evergreen in our living room, trying to center the thick trunk into the Christmas tree stand and tighten the bolts so it didn't lean. The kids excitedly jumped around him, occasionally landing on his legs, which were still thawing out from putting up Christmas lights in the cold drizzle just an hour earlier.
Sometimes it's hard to keep a positive attitude this time of year. It's the most wonderful time of the year, right?! What's not to love?!
Let's face it, Christmas changes a lot when you grow up; and, when you have your own children, creating Christmas magic for them can be a full time job, on top of everything else going on!
"Christmas Adulting" is exhausting.
It's draining.
It's just a lot. 
         A lot of pulling out heavy boxes with tangled lights and chipped ornaments.
A lot of sticky pine needles, frost bitten hands, and cookie crumbs.

Where has all the magic gone?!

 I start planning Christmas magic for my family right after Thanksgiving. Don't get me wrong; I never overlook Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Family Time

Cousin Love

 But Thanksgiving night, after the plates have been cleaned and turkey gravy sopped up, I strategically sneak upstairs and lay out  Christmas 'jammies' on each of my children's beds. Unable to wait for them to notice themselves, I casually mention that "there might be a surprise on their beds."
 Running up stairs, they burst through their bedroom door and squeal in delight, Christmas has officially commenced! The rest of the weekend is devoted to hanging stockings, putting up lights, and making the house a Christmas wonderland.

Christmas started off with a bang. We did Zoo Lights with the cousins the night after Thanksgiving and I have to say, it was magical. The kids were at the perfect age to enjoy the animals and the twinkling lights.

Saturday, we took them to the IMAX to see the Polar Express. Again ,  Magical.

On a completely different note, I had a personal magical experience this November: A trip to Hawaii all by myself to visit one of my dear friends, Kristin. She and her husband have lived on the island for two years in a lovely little house right on the ocean. I fell asleep to the waves clapping against the house each night and woke up to the serenity of a ocean sunrise and a dark cup of kona coffee.
Kristin planned out everything for us. Over the four days I was there, we hiked rocky ridges over turquoise water, feasted under palm trees, rehydrated with coconuts and even became surfing enthusiasts at a surfing competition on the North Shore.
She took me to the best: the best shaved ice; the best white beach; the best banyan tree; the best relaxation!

She appropriately named our collective escapades as "Mom's Big Adventure." It was "Mom's Big Adventure" in so many ways, namely that everything I got to do was without little people hanging on me.
 It was so nice seeing my friend too. Kristin got married to a military man six years ago, and since then, she has lived all over. We haven't had concentrated time together like that since she's moved, and we caught up on everything. There was non stop talking, laughing and story telling.

 It was a perfect Mom's Adventure.

But, coming home to the beginning of the holiday season was really something to get excited about too...
I don't think there is anything cuter and more irresistible than kids in Christmas pajamas. They are at the age when they totally embrace it and take Christmas very seriously. Our visit to Santa was serious business too. I took them one clear chilly evening to the little house at the outdoor mall. In proper Evie fashion, she lined the boys up single file and made sure each one presented Santa with a well thought out list.

 Visits in the past were not met with such enthusiasm as was this year's meeting.
The kids looked Santa in his kind eyes and explained very matter of factly what they desired and why. Santa listened, gave them a candy cane, and sent them on their way.

Evie is not totally convinced Santa got everything, so she is constantly requesting to take pictures with my phone with the intention of texting Santa reminders a few days before the big night.

Then, of course, there is the elf on the shelf.
Last year, the elf was full of generosity, kindly leaving goodies and treats for the kids in the morning. This year, he is a bit more mischievous, stealing toys and eating candy in the night. He may or may not have caused one or more of my children to cry with his obnoxious antics the year.

 

Now that the house is properly decorated and the lights up and the tree displayed magnificently in the window, I am in no rush to get to Christmas. I'm savoring every Christmas pajama cuddle and every request to drive slowly past the houses with the crazy Christmas blow up reindeer. I am so aware that this Christmas is so very magical for the kids, and I want to hang on to this window of wonder. I love delighting my kids with magic, and the build up to the big day is filled with so many joyful moments.
....And that naughty elf.... Levi wants him to go back to the North Pole early.

I say he stays a little longer.