Merry Christmas!

So, I know today is not Christmas - yesterday was - but yesterday was not a day for blogging, so you'll just have to deal with the fact that I'm wishing you a Merry Christmas via blog on the day after Christmas.

The past several days here have been fun, relaxing, and overall enjoyable as I've gotten to spend good time with various members of my family and engage in various traditions which never get old. I went Christmas shopping with my dad, which was a great time, even if it meant that I knew everything I was going to get from my parents this year. I would gladly trade the surprise for a fun outing with him. And although I knew that he was going into all of my favorite stores to get me gift cards...I didn't know how much. I was actually quite surprised by that. My parents are so generous.

Games at my aunt and uncle's on Christmas Eve was definitely a highlight. Every once in awhile, my mom will get to laughing so hard that she just can't do anything else. It happens so rarely that when you get to see it, you can't help but laugh yourself. My younger cousins didn't quite understand, and I'm sure it was confusing for them to see this room full of adults laughing so hard that they couldn't even continue their game. I'm so grateful that my extended family lives in the same general area, so that when I come home for Christmas, we can have nights like that. They are truly a delight to me (my family, that is).

As much fun as the days before Christmas can be, it's actually the days after Christmas that often end up even more so. I think it has something to do with the fact that there are no more events, no pressure for planning things, no more presents to buy or things on your do list, and so we all can just play and eat leftovers and watch movies. And shop. I'm excited to shop with those gift cards. :)

Let the merriment continue!