Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

     I don't particularly care for this time of year. Mainly because of all the "retail" hype that goes along with it. I, myself prefer to enjoy the time I have together with my family. This year was exactly what I want during this joyous time of year. On the eve of the Eve, I spent the evening relaxing with my hubby, brother, and father. He just got to town so we wanted to give him a warm welcome. We sat outside by the fire catching up on the past few months that we haven't seen him. The night was clear and the air was cool. The company was great and the stories even better. It got late pretty fast and we had some last minute things to take care of the next day. First thing on the morning of Christmas Eve, my father stopped by to open gifts with the kids. He was only in town for a short while, so we took advantage of that time he was available. The kids loved everything that Grandpa got them. Dad sat with us while the kids opened up boxes and started assembling their gifts. We had coffee and doughnuts. It couldn't be any better than this. He only stayed for a short time because he had dinner later and still had to travel north.
      On the evening of the Eve of Christmas we spent time with the hubby's family. His sister was just recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer and it has metastasized. So this year, the time we spent was pretty special. The whole family was there. From the older generations, to the youngest still in diapers. It was great to sit back and watch everyone interact with each other. Even the always grumpy teens played games with the younger kids. The food was wonderful. Your typical Cuban dishes. Mmmm! I love them. It was another clear sky and the stars were shining bright. You really have to sit back and take it all in. Generations of people and the beauty of nature. Make things perfect.
     Christmas morning arrives with a knock on my bedroom door. My youngest is calling to me "Mom, Santa came last night". That was the signal that the kids were up and ready to open their gifts. Hubby and I woke to immediately make our morning cup of joe. Once we were settled, the festivities began. I love to see their faces light up when they get the "go ahead". This year they switched it up on me! They wanted me to open my gifts from them first. Wow! I felt special. :D So I opened mine. Homemade gifts, and plants! It doesn't get better than that. They then started on theirs. I sat back and just watched as their eyes lit up with every new box. My brother and mother showed up to share their gifts with us and vice versa. The morning continued until all the gifts were opened. What a fun time. After that we shared doughnuts and coffee. Perfect    breakfast for Christmas morning. Time passed quickly and it was time for the kids to visit with their father. After they departed, the rest of us hung out talking and playing with our new toys. I have to say that this was one of the best Christmas' I had. I spent many days enjoying the time I shared with the ones I love the most. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!