Photo of the Day #18 – December 25, 2021

Photo of the Day #18

Christmas #1

Photo of the day #18
December 25, 2021, 8:59 AM
Random photo from my collection.

Now, I really can’t take credit for this photo since I am seen here opening up Elisabeth’s new sleeping bag. Johanna would have been 1 month old in this photo. There was a matching Mickey Mouse onesie small enough to fit her. This was the last Christmas that we all weren’t sick for. Elisabeth was not yet in daycare. It was a really special Christmas as we got to celebrate Johanna’s first Christmas and our expanded family. I’ve been reflecting a lot on Christmas in general lately. My mom and I have both remarked how it just doesn’t feel like Christmas this year. I keep trying to identify what is different. The kids are 2 and 4 now. They require a lot more stimulation and effort. In some ways, it’s easier because they are more self-sufficient. But in other ways, it’s harder. There are fights to break up and timeouts to dole out. I need one or two more arms to multitask with. My name is repeated from across the house while I’m trying to make pancakes. “Mom, mom, mom”…. “Just a second, honey, I’m making pancakes.” Nothing is the same as when I was a kid. I was a totally different child, and my parents parented totally differently. I’m hoping next year I can get a start on Christmas earlier so I can revel in its magic a bit longer. This year and last, Christmas has felt more like an added responsibility than a time to cherish together.