The Day After

TThank goodness I am not among the throngs of people today standing in endless lines to exchange, refund or return items received for Christmas. I am happy with every gift I received and every gift given has been cherished or at least they haven't stated otherwise. Also we didn't share a ton of gifts. Just one or two per family. We never forget to fill the stockings with edible goodies and best of all the little necessities that we don't have time to buy during our hectic work weeks; bath wash, toothbrushes, chewing gum, extra pens, books of postage stamps. These things go along way to the busy lives of our families.

We made most of our gifts this year. Of Course the little ones can't appreciate these as much so there is never anything wrong with a $5.00 five minute toy to satisfy. We received many homemade gifts too. I love these the most. I did let my husband know that I only wanted one thing for Christmas; a label maker. And I am happy to say I got one and I love it.

I will rest for most of the day but here in a bit I will be off to visit my horse today. Poor thing has been stuck in his paddock for 2 weeks. I feel badly so I will feed him many extra carrots and apples while visiting. If he appears to be persnickety then I will just sum it up to paddock fever. Similar to cabin fever. It will be a cold one today with temperatures at 19 degrees. After nuzzling my face in the warmth of his neck and sharing those tasty morsels I will head back to the warmth of home.

I think the best day of the year is the day after Christmas where we don't get up till we want, wear our pajamas till after noon and cook only if everything was devoured Christmas day. In our case it was not...so we will nibble at leftovers. I do hope you are having a pleasant Boxing Day as we are. Treasure your family time, savour the little things that bring a smile to your heart.

CHRISTMAS DAY 2009

How absolutely wonderful it has been to have a few of my children in my home waking up Chirstmas morning. It has been a few years since they last were here to awaken us with their excitement. Ok they me be a bit older now but the excitement, delight and nostalgia is all here. I want it to last all year. I want to take a picture of it and have it always!

I don't need bunches and bunches of presents. Just sharing the kitchen with them by my side as we bake pies and prepare the dinner is enough for me. Licking the beaters from the pie filling and taking tastes from the roast as it first comes out of the oven. All the glorious smells wafting all around each room in the house. Unbelievable!

Our tree this year has every ornament we have ever received, bought or made. From our children to our friends. Old ones passed down through the years. Every one has a meaning of love.

There is nothing better than these things to make the holiday perfect. The simple things make it the most memorable and joyful and for all this I am grateful. I pray everyone enjoys their holiday and to cherish the simple things.