Nearly there.

In our house, the Christmas season will officially begin as of tomorrow. I will pull out the Christmas tree, decorations, and start shopping in earnest because I suddenly feel very behind in all my preparations. Of course, with only a week left until Christmas, I am behind! Dreadfully so. In fact the last time I was ready for Christmas well in advance of the big day, was twelve years ago. Ever since, it has been a last minute rush.

You see, twelve and half years ago, I was pregnant for the second time in my life. My daughter was a mere 7 months old when I found out the news. Dec 17th was the date we were given, and as babies are never born on their due date, I was happy with that. Dec 17th is our anniversary and I wanted to keep the two dates seperate, even if only by one day. That year, with a baby on the way, my daughter’s first Christmas, and our third anniversary on the horizon, I had all gifts bought, wrapped and planning done by the beginning of November. I was able to enjoy the last of my pregnancy and the coming of the season in peace.

If you haven’t already guessed, my son came on his due date, and our anniversary celebrations have been a quiet affair ever since. In an effort to keep his birthday seperate and as special as possible, even Christmas has taken a back seat. So today, my oldest son turns a glorious twelve years old (or as he announced in church yesterday, 624 weeks old!). I will cook his requested foods for supper (pork steak this year) and we will all sing a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday. After he opens his gifts and the kids eventually go to bed, Mr. Man and I will quietly celebrate our love and union.

Of course, tomorrow, Christmas begins. I hope to be able to come and enjoy some of the yule tide with my cyber friends and connections, but with only a week to pull off my as-perfect-as-I-can-make-it holiday, I’m not sure how much I will be able to give here. I am planning my Christmas meal already, as I have the honor of hosting and cooking for my parents and my sister and her family this year. I do have a small amount of baking hidden in the freezer, but there is more I wish to do. After all, tons of good food must accompany any Ukrainian family gathering! My house must be decorated still, and there are all sorts and manners of little details to be seen to. It is Superbaby’s first Christmas as well, and special it must be!

I wish for each of you, your own perfect holiday and celebrations, full of love, family and true Christmas spirit.

Cheers,
Jennifer