nothing quite like it

Santas cookies are out. The stockings are ready. The presents are wrapped. The christmas pajamas are on. The ground outside is white. And for the first time in my life, we'll be home for Christmas day. My family always did "christmas" on the 24th. Santa came to our house when we were at christmas eve mass, so when we came home we got to dig in and then eat a big awesome dinner. The next morning started early with wake up calls from my crazy, I mean awesome, aunt, and we were at my Nanny's before we barely had time to wipe the sleep from our eyes. All day was spent going back and forth between grandparents' houses, which were luckily only a few miles from each other. It really was awesome. Tons of jokes and laughs, loads of gifts, lots of cookies and card games. Traditions.

And when Phil and I got married I had to learn to share my Christmas. We still bounced around, we just added in another state and 2-3 more houses to visit. The last two years with Sam has made for some interesting travel. When your SUV is full to the brim  (so much so your poor dog is lodged in between gift bags in the back) and you only have one kid, you start to realize you might need to reassess when the next kid comes around.

So for the first time ever, Santa will come to my house when we are sleeping Christmas Eve. He'll eat the cookies left for him (I actually already did that, had to take one for the team). He'll fill the stockings and leave piles of presents. He'll leave a note for the boys, thanking them for being good this year (can also check that off the to do list). And it will all happen in OUR house. Our new house. The first Christmas here, the first Christmas Sam is really into. Bo's first Christmas ever. All of the stress and exhaustion that came from trying to pull this off is going to be so worth it. The only thing Sam asked Santa for was a dragon. And I think I already Saw that Santa put it under the tree. He really IS a good boy. A sweet kid. With a really kind heart. And Bo, well it's too soon to tell ;) But he's probably the best baby i've ever seen - And yes, that's biased, but not really - he actually is awesome.

I hope Santa comes to your hive tonight too. And I hope more than anything you have lots of love to share tomorrow. And every day. And that you get some of that live right back.

Merry chrismas!