We're in a winter weather storm advisory for pretty much all day today. Not to worry, the snow won't stick around for long. It's Sunday today and the temperatures are projected to be in the 60s by the end of the week.There isn't a better feeling than being at home with those that matter the most and not needing anything. We're downstairs with the space heaters running, watching movies on Netflix instant queue on the Xbox and Caleb is busily playing with all of his toys that Santa brought.
Hopefully one day, Caleb will read this and realize how much thought we've put into this. Jay was not raised believing in Santa. In his world, his mother provided everything. In our childhood, while there were definately years where we knew but went along with the magic anyways, we believed that if we stayed up late enough, we would hear the bells from Santa's sleigh on Christmas eve. We would wake up really early and go downstairs to see the presents under the tree before our parents woke up. Michelle and I would attempt breakfast (which always included pancakes and eggs) and then would rouse our parents to begin the day of presents.
Yes, presents were not supposed to be the highlight, but to us, it represented just how well we knew each other. My mother would be pragmatic and hint at stuff that she liked. My dad was never happy unless we got a really good deal on a gift. Otherwise, he would scoff "don't waste your money on me. Save it and buy something that you really want". To this day, I register surprise when I realize that my sister may know me better than I know myself (at times) even though we are so far apart.
So while Jay and I are in opposing views on the belief of Santa and exactly how much we should support the fantasy, we both agree that it's an important part of his childhood and his happiness and the memories he needs to sustain him through life is the most important thing.
So now I'm sitting in our living room watching the snow outside and I'm thankful for all the things that we have and am just enjoying the company. The year has flown by, largely influenced by my recent job change to IBM, I feel like I have to constantly remind myself that no matter how important work is with all the energy it takes to stay on top of things, Caleb's happiness and growth is the ONLY thing that matters.Let's chalk my nostalgia to being lucky enough to have so much time off, the pondering of new years resolutions, re-prioritizing, and the re-examination of our own personal goals. I now have begun a big ol' sentimental puff.
