It's Christmas

Happy Christmas!

This holiday season has been a year of firsts.

Turkey Trot 10/10

Going out on Christmas Eve 8/10

Christmas movie marathon TBD/10

It was CROWDED on Christmas Eve. A few local places were closed, but the rest were hopping. Lots of shorts, tank tops ... it's THAT warm this week. So many "ruined" holiday outfits ... sweaters around the shoulders, people sweating in fancy blouses, etc. 

Crazy.

It's foggy and humid and very warm this morning. 

I'm not sure how I feel about spending Christmas alone. I think I'm more bummed about my foot than not having company. I wanted to hike this week and haven't been able to do any kind of exercise at all. My foot (and weather) put a real damper on the plans for the week. 

I'm trying not to get in my head about what's fair and what's not fair. This situation isn't unfair ... just different. The part I'm lamenting over is BOTH my kids are 15 minutes down the road and neither are spending any part of Christmas with us. 

Nothing. 

Knowing we're alone.

(I know we got a little pity invite for last night.)

If they were out of town, I wouldn't be having this thought AT ALL. So why is the proximity bothering me so much? I guess it's that I would NEVER -- and have never, done that to anyone. I include and invite every holiday -- alone extended family, in-laws of my kids, etc. 

Shoe is on the other foot and CRICKETS. 

It's like good angel, bad angel. 

Good angel says still be inclusive and kind.

Bad angel says never include them again.

(Today bad angel is winning, dang.)

I also am a little annoyed that the dispersement of holiday time is determined by in-laws. I never get the choice. I go with the flow. Take what they want to give me. I don't care as long as I know ahead of time, but I care that I'm not asked. Why shouldn't I EVER get first choice? Will we get Christmas next year? Or have they started a new tradition. That happened with Thanksgiving for years.

But here's the kicker. I LIKED what we did this year. It was special and probably one of my favorite "Christmas" days. We were invited to my sister's in Asheville (and will always be welcomed) so if the same happens next year, we can go there for Christmas if we choose. Maybe next year will be better weather and no foot issue, so hiking would be an awesome way to spend Christmas Day. 

Be careful to not covet what you don't want.

I didn't want it, but I didn't want everyone else to have it. 

(Not emotionally mature or kind.)

Or maybe I just wanted a genuine invite extended.

To be noticed that WE were alone this year.

I need to focus on having a good day today. 

We have 3 movies and a good dinner planned.

F1 Movie

Family Plan 2

Knives Out 3

Heading to Asheville tomorrow.

Happy Christmas everyone.