We, like you I'm guessing, are in the thick of it! We had a most magical Solstice day, full of all our family traditions - from the winter walk and bonfire and setting intentions for the coming year, to our feast and gift exchange around the tree. I've said this before, but it is such a delight to watch traditions that have taken root, take on their own life and energy - just as a tradition should. If I forget to make the sun cake, Adelaide will remember. If we're rushed about getting the wood gathered for our fire, Harper will have already done it. These things we do, that initially felt 'made up' all those years ago when we started doing them, are now theirs so fully and deeply. It's a beautiful thing to behold.
Adelaide and Ezra are in a play currently, with no fewer than three performances today (it runs next week too! Go see The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe with your littles if you're local - it's so sweet!). Calvin leaves soon for a ski trip with his nordic team, and I'm fairly certain he outgrew everything he wore last year. Next week, we pick up our French exchange student and I have yet to finish preparing a space for him. The list goes on.
But all of those things will pause for the next two days while we embark on our Christmas celebrations. The very traditions that Steve and I grew up with knowing and loving - celebrating with family, and oh so many cousins. There will be stockings in the way we do them, and hot cocoa in the morning out of our santa mugs and a whole lot of love and joy. It is one of the greatest joys of parenting to share our childhood traditions with our own children....all while adding our own along the way.
I wish you and yours the merriest of days ahead! Full of laughter, people you love, and the traditions you treasure.