Our First Christmas Home With the Kids
For years now we have traveled to family or friends for the holidays, this year was our first in this house. It is also our last as we are soon moving. It was very different for all of us to not be traveling, no bags to pack, not having to make sure all the gifts fit in with the luggage, and not getting caught playing Santa. Instead we where blessed to welcome guests. The Grandparents came to stay for the week! We set up a guest room, made things guest clean, and got to plan meals and events. The kids loved not being stuck in the van for half a day and they loved sharing their home with loved ones.
Best Christmas Ever!
I have to admit, I went a bit over board with gifts this year. Though much was on sale, eco-friendly, and even a few used items! I got a used xbox 360 for a great price and some games too. My 8 year old son had Minecraft 360 on the top of his wish list and was thrilled to get it. He didn’t even notice it wasn’t new because my husband and I cleaned it up so well and put it in a nice big green box with a large bow. Our teenage daughter declared after all the gifts and food and fun and games together that it was the Best Christmas Ever, from a texting social butterfly teen, that means a lot!
Family Time is Priceless
The day after christmas we left the material things behind (except for my daughters new to her -used- iphone) and went out to a park a fair way from home. The park is one the kids love and ask to go to often, with it being an hour away though it is a treat. The Grandparents came too! They didn’t just stand around like many parents, they played too! It was wonderful and from all the smiles in the day, I know it meant so much more than all the gifts did to us all.
The kids call this Dragon Park, really it is the South Germantown Recreational Park and is about an hour from Fort Meade Maryland. It is one of the best parks we have been to around here and is a treasure to the community. There where not too many other kids but enough for our kids to play with a bit. There are a few different kinds of swings, slides, and lots of room to run and play tag. There is also room to sit around!
Our teen took a moment to herself to text friends far away, wishing them Happy Holidays and catching up. She was back to playing with everyone soon though, and it was great to see! Even though it was a cold December day, it was still a fun one! Not to self though, even without it snowing out make sure everyone has a hat and gloves next time!
The gifts and food have been wonderful this holiday, but truly the holidays mean a little bit more than all that!
