When your family is getting together for Christmas dinner as a whole group for the first time since your parents were divorced 18 years ago, and mom’s new boyfriend is coming along, your Christmas Day could go one of two ways: you would be filled with an overwhelming sense of foreboding or you could relax and enjoy the madness. Only I’ve never been good at that.
Over the past (almost!) four years since Mister and I started dating and living together, I’ve calmed down a lot. Being able to make decisions on how I spend all of my time, being independent, working full time, building a life with Mister… it has all done me such good! And it has allowed me to let up control where I couldn’t before. As a result, Christmas dinner was wonderful – great food, lots of reminiscing, lots of laughing, and lots of dessert.
Life is so much easier when you don’t need it to be perfect. I would rather have squirmy puppies, phone tag, and laughter any day.
The Highlights
- Mister’s presents to me were circular knitting needles, a sketch book and drawing tutorial book, and slippers for our cold hardwood floors. We went out together and found amazingly cold weather rated thermal cups for walking the puppies together in the mornings, and opened those on Christmas Day too. So wonderful!
- I gave him (among a couple other items) an argyle sweater that he is very handsome in, which is like a Christmas present for me too.
- I have 10 days in a row off for the first time in two years!!! I don’t go back to work until January 5th, and for the first time both Mister and I have the same amount of time off! His work only allows him 7 days off a year (!!) so that we both have the time off is huge. We are in heaven.
- My sister gave me a vintage Hudson’s Bay wool coat and that blazer I’d been searching for because she’s amazing.
- We went off boxing day shopping and treated ourselves to new flannel sheets for the bed – and I found season one of Mad Men on blu-ray for $25.
- Baking 144 cookies, one apple pie and one chocolate cake in 12 hours.
- Celebrating that one year ago on Christmas Day we got engaged. And then celebrating that we never have to get married again!
Having time off work for the first time in a long time is kind of like falling off a cliff. I don’t know what to do with myself exactly, but I’ve already finished a cowl for myself while watching Mad Men. I am voting for more of this over the next week. I’ve been desperately in need of time to myself so I can regroup, and finally having that?
Lets just say I’ve been having chocolate cake for breakfast every day. I’ll be back to regular posting next week – hope yours has been a merry one!
Nilsa
So glad you seem to be enjoying your time off work. What a special present to get to spend it with the Mister, too. Seems like Santa is particularly happy with you this year. Nice job!
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Jessica
Hooray for time off work.
Wow, you baked a ton of stuff these past few days.
I’m so excited to learn how to knit! My Aunt is teaching me this week. I’m gonna be crafty just like you<3
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DocE
It sounds like a wonderful holiday and how super to have time off with the mister. We’re doing a bit of that around here too – and it truly is wonderful.
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Steph
I’m so glad you had a wonderful holiday! I’m off until January 5th and between being utterly lazy and sleeping I’ve been finding the oddest little household chores and organizing to do.
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Lindsay
I don’t have to go back to work until January 5th either. It’s fantastic! Hope your week off is just as great as your Christmas seems to have been!
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Miss Dallas
So excited for you! What kind of needles did you get! I have a Denise set, but KnitPicks makes an awesome one, too!
Have a restful holiday, and thanks for the birthday wishes!
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Heidi Renée
Chocolate cake for breakfast? Oh, yes please!
My parents are divorced, and both remarried. I remember the anxiety and worrying about group holidays all too well. So glad it all turned out well!
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melanie
My Mister and I always celebrate that we never have to get married again too! I think it is funny when I hear of other people doing this – especially other people who also enjoyed their weddings (ours was great – and we never have to do it again!).
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Micaela
Glad your holidays are going great! I’m off until January 5th too and it is awesome. Last week was Christmas-madness and now I’m looking forward to having a week all to myself.
I totally agree that getting your husband a sweater he looks great in is a present to yourself too. :)
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melissa
Yay for time off! Isn’t it the best thing, having the same day(s) off as the boy? I always get just a bit more excited when that happens.
Hope your break goes well!
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michelle woo
Hee hee. Clothes that make your man look hot are the best gifts. They’d probably never buy them on their own.
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nicoleantoinette
The family thing. Yep, it’s definitely about relaxing and letting go. I’m coming off the tail end of that myself this year.
Oh, and I’m superbly jealous of your time off :)
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Rachel
I’m constantly walking on eggshells during family gatherings, and surprisingly, having my boyfriend around has also helped me to relax.
So jealous of your ten days off.
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E.P.
Hey! I just stumbled over here and wanted to chime in on this because the first part of the post? That’s me.
For the past year or two, I’ve started relaxing a little but it’s hard sometimes. I’m glad it’s worked out for you — that gives me hope for the future. (: And I hope you’re having a great break from work!
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Elle Bee
Oh hurray, it sounds like you are having such wonderful holidays! You deserve it, miss!
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Alexis
Aw, that sounds lovely with the thoughtful gifts and celebrations of not having to marry again! You are precious.
Also? I’m jealous of your time off…I would seriously love some of that right now!
XOXO
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mandy
Your holiday sounds great! Enjoy your time off!
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emmysuh
For a long time, I dreaded get togethers with both of my divorced parents there as well, but finally learned to relax and let it flow.
I want chocolate cake for breakfast too!
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Nora
Sounds pretty amazing!
Enjoy the time off. I’m right there with you and it’s really a great feeling of freedom.
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Marie
Yay for time off of work! And the Mister only gets 7 days?! That’s just not fair.
I hope you were not so stressed this time around and had a great Christmas!
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Lauren
I haven’t seen Porter since I left on the 19th! Now I’m back and he’s gone. Needless to say, I am incredibly jealous of so much quality time spent with Mister!
So glad you are enjoying break and were able to relax this Christmas!
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Elizabeth
Aw! Keep enjoying your break! I’m so happy that Christmas worked out well for you–it’s so amazing when family pulls through wonderfully!
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jessica maria
Woo for time off! (As I currently write from my cubicle…totes jealous.)
Your holiday sounded amazing. Hooray for great gifts, good deals, and um, can i have some cookies?! ;)
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Jamie
I have time off at the holidays, too. It’s lovely to use your days as you please! Hope you guys have the best time. Merry Christmas, a little late! :)
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Lauren
What a lovely Christmas! I’m glad it went well for you. Like you, I stress about everything during gatherings, so it’s always wonderful when nothing dramatic happens.
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Andy
I’m glad you had a nice Christmas and that you get to enjoy time with your husband!!
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Alice
what a lovely holiday! my favorite part of xmas is the nice slow down time. uh, until i have to go back to work the week between xmas and new years, but WHATEVER :-)
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