I am so happy we got to host our Family Christmas!

He said

After over two years of not really being able to get together as a family, and especially at Christmas, this year mark the first year we were able to return to that at Christmas time. Having an idea this was a possibility early in the Fall Emelia had made it known that she would like our house to be the host location as we had never done it (in her memory bank). We quickly found out the family was down for that and quickly we began planning—all to Emelia’s delight. Once we had the date sorted (Christmas Day), we just had to plan, prep and wait.

With Mom & Dad’s very limited mobility, it was clear we would need to do something with them separately. Thankfully Oakcrossing has so great options in shared Family Dining Room that can be booked. A little over a week ago, they made plans so that we could have the room and time together – those that could make it – on Friday evening. Given the weather being terrible overnight from Thursday to Friday, David and the Welland Teeters stayed safe at home, but the rest of us go together—even driving a short distance across the city was a challenge. But, we had a few wonderful hours being together filled with laughter, and it was great.

Saturday was Christmas Eve and I had to work. So, Danielle and Emelia had a quiet day together wrapping presents and getting ready for the evening. As soon as I home from work after a surprisingly busy last day (and couple hours) of Christmas shopping, we settled in for a nice, quiet Christmas Eve together as a family. Danielle put together an amazing charcuterie board dinner and we watched Christmas movies together. It was the most perfect night and way to close out what was a very busy week leading up to the special day. I really hope this stays a tradition for us.

I will never forget the year that I recognized a little of the sparkle of Christmas had seemingly disappeared. The presents I asked for got smaller and more expensive and that made the amount you opened even less. Sadly, I think this was the year that started to happen for Emelia. She was delighted with every one of her gifts and very thankful, but you could definitely sense that realization she had hit those years was upon her. We tried as best we could to slow her down when opening her presents, but eventually we hit the spot where she recognized it was over and you could see that sink in.

Thankfully we had the Teeter family coming over for our family get together to give her something she was super excited about. We got to spend the day at a slower pace and then slowly start to put together the meal. The turkey was in the oven at noon and off we were to getting the meal together. Early in the afternoon family started arriving and before we knew it, the house was filled with smiles, laughter and lots of love. David and the Welland Teeter’s were able to make it down too. Amidst all the noise and commotion I caught myself several times just so filled with happiness for something I hadn’t realized how much I missed over the last couple of years: being all together again!

She said

What a fun filled weekend! As John has mentioned this was our first real Christmas since 2019. Our family has changed so much in that time. Helen and Doug moved out of their home into the retirement home, we added our sweet niece Abi to the family. So much has changed while we had to stay apart. The last two Christmases have been one of restrictions and outdoor celebrations. We were so happy to finally return to a big family celebration.

This year we have seen a bit of a transition for Emelia, she is feeling that change for the holidays. When you hit a certain point of your childhood when presents are smaller and much more expensive. Her wish list wasn’t crazy but the two big items were not inexpensive. Add in that we did all of our celebrations in two days the holidays for Emelia seemed over as fast as they began. Now add in that her best friends are going away for the first time for a huge family vacation she is feeling it this year. She is grateful but this year has been different.

What made this year magical was having all of John’s brothers and  all of their families here yesterday—back together again at this time of year. Our tiny house was busting at the seams and we wouldn’t have had it any other way! It was loud, full of laughs and making new memories. So much fun was had by all. We all needed this this year after two very long years of the pandemic.

I will be the first to admit that the holidays are very hard on me. Since I lost my mom almost 30 years ago my love of Christmas has never been the same. Her death forever changed our family and I do not see most of my family as a result. I had hoped that this year I would be able to go to see my sister over the break but a monster blizzard made that impossible. Every year I try my best to make the holidays magic for Emelia but it is hard for sure.

We are going to try and fill the rest of the holiday break with more memories. Emelia has already been shopping with one of her best friends and is making plans with some of other friends. She and John are also going to have a special daddy/daughter date that she is treating him to as one of her Christmas presents to him. All in all we are going to have a great break as a family, re-charge and re-connect!

Merry Christmas everyone! We hope the holidays have been filled with magic and time with family and friends.