Christmas 2018 is a wrap! The kids, Craig and his girlfriend Nancy and the grandkids came over for lunch and presents. We had a fun afternoon together. I still have some dishes to do and a bit of clean-up to do and the house will be back in order. I will take the Christmas trees down later today and can put Christmas 2018 in my rear-view mirror.
Still have too many Christmas treats left over. I have enough New Year’s Cookies for my brothers left that I won’t have to make another batch. That is a good thing! I will deliver them tomorrow and give my brothers the left over treats too. There is even enough fudge left that I won’t have to make another batch. It will be good to have that stuff out of the house. I managed to not eat a bite of the Christmas treats but need the temptation gone.
I made a big batch of ham salad with some of the leftover ham after lunch was over and sent it home with the kids. Nicole took the ham bone home as they are going to make ham and bean soup. Have one container of ham left that I will need to do something with. Got rid of most of the other leftovers.
Fixed bacon and eggs for my guests this morning. I don’t usually fix their breakfast but since I fixed dinner for him the first night he was here they expected me to fix it today. No big deal – I have plenty of eggs and bacon on hand. I have enjoyed my guests again. They invited me to stay with them if I am ever in western NE.
Glad I didn’t clean house before the day started. Sitting in my chair with the sun shining in through the west windows I am seeing lots of things I need to dust and am seeing all the dirt on the floor. Cookie crumbs, popcorn, etc got dropped from the days celebration and had I cleaned it this morning I would have had to clean it again tonight anyways.
We did a grab bag type of Christmas for the adults this year. Seemed to have worked nicely and everyone didn’t have to buy so many presents. Everyone already has so much stuff that no one really needs anything. There was a nice assortment of gifts brought and it was fun watching people open them. The kids opened their gifts while we were doing the exchange. They each made out like bandits and enjoyed their gifts too.
I feel a big sense of relief that Christmas is over. It is my least favorite holiday season. I always get a bit depressed during this season. Probably due more to Solstice and the darkest day than Christmas itself. But Christmas has way too many expectations that seem to come with it and the commercialization of Christmas turns my stomach. I try each year to simplify what I do and give.
Now I can turn my attention to the New Year. 2019 feels like it is off to a great start. My Match guy is coming Thursday evening to spend two nights. It will be good to see him again. We have a lot to talk about. I am planning on going to see him for a couple of days the middle of January. He has tickets to a symphony concert and he wants me to go to the concert with him. My life is certainly not boring these days!
Was good to see Craig and his girlfriend today. Craig and I talked briefly and we both agreed we are both happier than we have been for a long time. I am happy that we can celebrate Christmas as a family together and everyone feels comfortable. Not all divorced couples can do that. I shared with Craig that I had met someone. He wished me well just as I had wished him well when he told me about his girlfriend.
Feeling a bit empty this afternoon. It was a bit chaotic and loud in the house for a bit today when everyone was here. The house feels very big and empty this afternoon. My guests are out and about and probably won’t be home until late evening. I will slow things down and take my time finishing up the cleaning and putting the trees away. I have empty space on my calendar except for caring for my guests and preparing for the guests coming the 31st. I am sure I will get refilled quickly.
The sun is shining this afternoon which always lifts my spirits. The grandkids helped me gather 10 eggs while they were here. The wind has slowed down and it is beautiful although cold out. I need to walk down and get the mail and get some fresh air. That will help lift my spirits too.
Grateful everyone was able to come for the day and share Christmas together, grateful Christmas 2018 is done, and grateful for the possibilities 2019 is bringing to me. Time to look forward to all the changes headed my way. Feeling like I need to fasten my seat belt and enjoy the ride!