the day after

Some reflections and impressions around Christmas at our house-

It happens every year: I get sucked into the buying frenzy a bit too much (in spite of my best intentions to the contrary) and I stress about whether the kids get comparable presents (worth and quantity). This continues during the unwrapping. It's crazy-making. And really takes away from the true spirit of the season.

sweet,sweet Charlie

handmade a lifetime ago

On the other hand, I couldn't care less about the mess that is a result of the festivities. I am going to tackle that today (with help) and I am glad that I can sleep soundly even if the kitchen looks like...well...chaos. Although I do not really sleep soundly lately but that is a different matter.

left overs from another round of death-by-ash borer

Other than the above mentioned somewhat irrational self-imposed stress, it was a fine relaxing hanging out and enjoying kind of day. My love and I took a walk in the fresh air (trying out my new hiking boots!!!). No white Christmas here, but a lovely wintry day it was with even a little bit of a watery sun.

The knitted woolens were well received, even if some of the projects were unfinished as of yet. Lucy enjoyed ripping the wrapping paper to shreds. We had our traditional sauerkraut (my love and I) for dinner, along with another dish as proposed by Thijs- Sheppard's pie. Which I thought was oddly fitting, because although I do participate in the uber-commercialism of present giving (to my own shame, see above), our dinner is meant as a little rebellion against elaborate over-consumption -well, at least on Christmas day.

Family traditions and memories is what it is really all about of course. Some change over the years, some remain and are anticipated. We used to have to set a starting time for gift giving as late as possible (not at 4 am), now it was more a debate about as early as possible (10 am?)...But the stockings contained marzipan, as always. Gift giving aside, it is lovely to have everyone 'home'. If I can only remember that as being 'priceless', next time this season rolls around.

this picture made by my love