Christmas Wrap-up

I hope your Christmas was as wonderful as mine. Mine was quite unusual. I celebrated with my husband. You may ask, "What is so unusual about that?"  It is unusual for me in that Jared has been home for Christmas for 1 out of 10 years. This year makes it 2 out of 11.

Usually he has been here the days before or the days after. The one other day he has bee here, he left the next day. Holidays like that are wonderful if you enjoy packing your husband's sea bag to send him off the next day. But that one day is better than nothing!

This year, there was no packing to leave. He performed his "Santa duties" rather than me. We got to go to bed late and be woke the next morning early by impatient children. I refused to leave my bed at first and held on to Jared tightly, refusing to allow him to respond to the children's insisting. It is not something I am allowed to do very often so I decided to enjoy it as long as I could.

Unfortunately, the ocean that is my children cannot be held back for long. Grudgingly, I arose. Jared was more eager. The plan WAS to have breakfast first. I settled for a cup of tea, Jared coffee. After we settled in to our loveseat, the barely controlled chaos began.

For our family, we have elected on on three gifts. First gift is something that is need, such as clothes. The second gift is something useful but practical. Chao lei demands a lot shelf space for his displays. The third is something requested. It could be anything; toys, electronics...

I know. Electronics are counter to family participation. Honestly though, we have yet to receive a request for electronics. Tablet covers do not count. We did get a panicked request when June could not get her tablet to turn on but it was rescinded after Chao lei solved the problem.

I spent the morning cuddled up to my sailor. That was all the gift I needed but I did receive a new dress he bought in Perth, Australia along with some jewelry. But cuddles were the most important gift.

We had our dinner Japanese style. We went to Kentucky Fried Chicken. It seems it is a traditional Japanese Christmas dinner and we do enjoy exploring Japanese customs and traditions. I will say KFC in Japan is a little different than in the US. The atmosphere in the restaurant is more formal. Not formal formal but definitely not casual as in an American KFC. When was the last time an American fast food worker genuinely smiled at you as they served you? You almost feel guilty eating with your fingers. It tastes different too; not as greasy.

Watching my children enjoy their Christmas and having my husband with me were such great blessings. How could I have wished for more? I am blessed beyond measure.