Skipping Christmas???

Christmas is my most favorite time of the year. Yes, I love presents - giving and receiving. But, more than that, I love the general feeling in the air. Everyone seems happier. There's lots of music and shopping and happiness and more of those random acts of kindness floating around. It is just a good time of year. I most enjoy those special Christmas traditions with family. On the 23rd of December my mom's side of the family gathers together for a huge dinner, fellowship, and fun game of 'Dirty Santa' (although it's not that dirty). I just love it! Then on Christmas morning, we have breakfast with my parents and grandparents. My dad always cooks the best pancakes - EVERY YEAR. That is.... until this year. (If I had a record player this is where that lovely Christmas music would scratch and there would be silence...... get it?)

This year - one month from now - I'll be on a plane to South America..... missing all of my annual traditions. Don't get me wrong, I am so extremely excited to go visit Lucas's family. This is the first time I will go as his wife (I haven't been since we were only dating). Now, I really am part of the family. Also, I am truly looking forward to spending the holidays with his family and being a part of their traditions.

But I've done the same thing for 24 years. Every Christmas is the same thing. And that's how I like it. I love it, actually. So I've thought about just all out skipping Christmas this year (by all out really all I mean is not putting up a tree or decorating). What's the point? I mean - we are leaving a full week before Christmas! I don't think my mom is going to let me do that. She is very determined that I will at least have one tree up (last year I had three - I'm kind of a Christmas freak).

I know I'm being selfish. I get every holiday, every special event, and all the other random days with my family. I'm actually quite lucky that this is all I have to give up. It is just hard. Because this is my first Christmas away from my family and my traditions. I'll still celebrate in Colombia, but I just have a feeling that it isn't going to be the same. I'm sad to be giving up these traditions and letting my family down.

This attitude is completely unfair to Lucas. He celebrates everything with my family and I should be happy spending Christmas with his. I'm going to snap out of this (I hope). I just don't have that usual Christmas cheer.

I am still getting to keep a little -slightly altered - tradition, though. I have mandated a breakfast with my parents and grandparents - yes, in our Christmas pajamas - the night before we leave for Colombia. I must have my dad's pancakes and I won't miss out on this special tradition, whether it is on the 18th or the 25th.

So, since you've put up with my nonsensical rant on skipping Christmas, I'm going to show you our house all decorated for Christmas last year. Our first Christmas as husband and wife and in our new home.