christmas eve.

fire – 24 dec 2015

It’s Christmas Eve. The first day of the winter (what winter?) break where both girls are home for the day. As they’ve gotten older and busier, it has gotten more difficult to have a family day at home with them. In the past we’ve had a week of jigsaw puzzles, cooking, movies, and more. Now I feel like I have to squeeze all that relaxing family time into one or two days.

As soon as I got home from the gym (yes, I too now have my own, separate activities now), we picked up the condo then headed out to Kroger for a few last minute supplies before the store close. I can’t remember when I’ve spent so much at the store. Of course, we picked up gift cards and more stocking stuffers than would fit into Hagrid’s stocking… While at the checkout, as always happens at this time of year, I re-committed to creating and sticking to a budget in the new year. Rice and beans for dinner every night in January, kids!

But for today, we’re ignoring the budget. Filling the cart to overfill the stockings and bellies. Picking up last minute wishes (Peppermint Bark Ghirardelli and boxes of nori). Heading out to the movies (something about a new Star Wars movie) if there are any tickets available. FESTIVE black-bean chili and cornbread. Opening Christmas cards and one gift.

Thunderstorms and flooding for Christmas Eve isn’t as nice as a blanket of fresh white snow storm, but we’ll find a way to bring in the Christmas cheer nonetheless.