It’s cliche, but having a baby really changes everything. I’ve been seeing our holiday preparations through Charlie’s gleaming eyes and it just fills me with joy. Hearing him say “Hanta” or “ho ho ho” puts a smile on my face. Cannot wait to see his reaction to the tree once it’s completely decorated.
Thing I can’t recapture is that feeling of life slowing down. December used to feel so long to me as a kid. Not sure if it was that the days were growing shorter, or if the time spent inside meant more time with family, but the season could really sink in. Feel like I could just soak up the Christmas music blaring out of our little GE cassette player, the smell of cookies filling our old farmhouse. It was a warm, safe, welcome feeling that maybe only a kid can feel.
Trying to re-create that magic isn’t easy, but we’re trying. Helen and I have been burning obnoxiously-scented holiday candles, cranking up the Christmas tunes on the TV and getting everything together for our annual Christmas party this weekend. Really looking forward to seeing friends and enjoying their company. Can’t wait!