Merry Christmas, LoT!

[scaeagles]

I love Christmas.

After seeing the gifts given and my happy children and beautiful wife, though I did not get the one thing I truly wanted (a 2007 red convertable mustang - I can dream, eh?), I realize more than ever what a blessed man I am to have such an incredible family who loves me and I would lay my life down for without a thought. Is there any better gift than having that in your life every day?

I was clearing dishes after Christmas Eve dinner at my inlaws (wonderful people), and there, in order, with their backs to me, were my mother in law rinsing, my wife putting dishes in the dishwasher, and my 12 year old and 5 year old daughters drying things that couldn't go in the dishwasher. Three generations and the four most important women to me in the world standing next to each other, just being, oblivious to the fact that I was staring at them in wonder and amazement, asking the good Lord above what I had ever done to deserve such a life as I have, holding back a few slow rolling tears so as to not draw attention to myself and spoil perhaps the most perfect moment in time I could ever remember.

I love Christmas.

[tracilicious]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

I was clearing dishes after Christmas Eve dinner at my inlaws (wonderful people), and there, in order, with their backs to me, were my mother in law rinsing, my wife putting dishes in the dishwasher, and my 12 year old and 5 year old daughters drying things that couldn't go in the dishwasher. Three generations and the four most important women to me in the world standing next to each other, just being, oblivious to the fact that I was staring at them in wonder and amazement, asking the good Lord above what I had ever done to deserve such a life as I have, holding back a few slow rolling tears so as to not draw attention to myself and spoil perhaps the most perfect moment in time I could ever remember.

I love Christmas.

That's a wonderful story.

I too feel very blessed to have such a fantastic family. We were able to connect with parts of our family in ways we haven't been able to connect with before, and that was pretty great. This is the first year that so many of us have celebrated the holiday (and a first for half of the people celebrating), so it was a first for big family gatherings even for those that have been celebrating for a long time. Though it was hectic and stressful, it was totally worth it to be able to spend time with my (and Michael's) family and give them things that they truly wanted and will enjoy. Of course, things are just things, but the connection and memories are what will really last.

Christmas rocks.