Waiting for Santa to arrive
This will be the first time our kids will come home for Chirstmas! Last year we would have never expected both Martin and Whitney to be away! Things happen so fast in families sometimes. Of course, they are both in their 20's so they could have left years ago. I think we were very lucky to enjoy a huge family life for extra years, based on the average family!
Martin is away to London working with ESPN in London. It is a 12 month internship, and I hope this will continue as a job when the 12 months is finished. He really enjoys his work and I often quote Mark Twain to him, which I think he must be tired of hearing by now: "If you find a job you like, you will never work again."
Whitney and Corbyn only live about a mile away, but sometimes it feels like they are farther away than Martin. Whitney is busy being a single mom, working and going to college. I was heartbroken when they left, but have since learned to focus on the extra quality time we have with Corbyn. This more than makes up for not seeing his every move (and mood!). I am sorry to say we have not really found a pattern to see Whitney and I do miss spending time with her. But maybe I should make that a New Year's resolution!
The build up to Christmas started late for Alan and me because we were on a Transatlantic cruise until the middle of November. Then Martin came home for Thanksgiving! This was very special to me since I have tried not to miss celebrating Thanksgiving since moving to Scotland 26 years ago. We usually have our dinner on the Saturday though, too muc pressure to have it on the correct day - after working all day!
I am the baby of the family when it comes to Christmas and would prefer all things to be secret and special. But the kids take after Alan's pragmatism and gifts are often discussed in advance. This time, I think Martin especially, will be getting cash since his situation is temporary, regardless of whether he stays in London or not, he says he will be moving after this year lease is out. He was lucky to find a flatmate and a flat relatively easily when he moved to the London area and I think he wants to go somewhere a bit more affordable if he stays.
At least with the economy being a bit slow and our decision not to go crazy this year, I am not spending so much time wrapping gifts! All I need is to get around to Christmas cards!
One really different thing - I am going to Christmas events almost on a daily basis! And I have been going to Weightwatchers since July and really don't want to gain all that weight back. Dilemma! I only gained 3 pounds on the 14 night cruise in November, so I am hopeful the festive season will not knock me back worse than that. In the past week I have entertained friends on Friday night, with cheese and crackers, nibbles and wine. Saturday - Alan and I joined another group of 10 friends for a lovely 3 course meal at one of their homes. This has become a yearly tradition and we always have a great time. Sunday - Mom, Karen McGarva and I went to Christmas lunch (2 course) at the Horizon Hotel (lovely), Monday "day off" whew!
Ready for Saturday night!
I don't remember a more social or food packed build up to Christmas but I am certainly enjoying this one!
Santa arrives at Dobbies Garden Centre, Corbyn was not impressed. All he wanted to do was go see Nemo in the fish department!
"Strength is the capacity to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands- and then eat just one of the pieces." - Judith Viorst
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