ok, now that Christmas is over, I don't feel bad for saying this: I really don't like Christmas. I just don't. I like what it represents -- I LOVE what it represents -- but so much of what Christmas ends up being has nothing to do with that anyway, so I don't really see the two . . . what Christmas SHOULD be, and what it ENDS UP being each year . . . as the same thing. So yeah, Christmas as it is every year, I'm not fond of. Growing up, Christmas always sucked because my mom didn't GET how to make holidays special or buy the gifts that we were hoping for. And now as an adult, I hate the traffic, the rush, the crowds, the consumer-mentality, the craziness and busy-ness, the obligations you force yourself to smile through (thank GOODNESS there were no random parties I had to go to this year, except for the one open-house that was actually fun), the stress of a piano recital for my girls every year (I ENJOY it, I just don't like the planning and the stress on the kids and everything) . . . I'm just glad now that it's over. Only it's not REALLY over, 'cause the tree overflowing with ornaments is still up, I have to figure out what to do with all Jake's new stuff, I have to write thank-you cards, I have to do something with the hundreds of pictures I took in the last week, and we have one more left-over family Christmas this Friday (but I'm looking forward to it, I really like Lou's Aunt and girls.) The very best part of the Christmas season is the week I get off work. But that just gets me depressed 'cause it's so nice to be home and then I have to go back soon and I SO don't feel like it.
And I don't want it to seem like I'm not thankful. I'm thankful we have a house to have a tree up in, that we were able to give Jake a wonderful Christmas, and that we were able to be with both of our families for Christmas. That's all great. Just that overall, I'm glad it's behind us.
May 4th, 2002 Our wedding
September 14th, 2002. Going home from the hospital with 2 day old baby Jake!
10 days old and we're ALL worn out!
1st Halloween (6 weeks)
1st Christmas (3.5 months)
January 2003 ~ 4 months old
July 2003 ~ 10 months old
December 2003 ~ 15 months old
June 2004 ~ 21 months old 
Lou's 28th birthday. 10-23-2004. 
Easter 2005 ~ 30 months old 
I know exactly what you mean, Jen. Christmas isn't nearly as special as it should be.
May your 2006 be all you want it to be.
Posted by: Sandi P. | December 28, 2005 at 06:23 AM
I know what you mean..I do enjoy it but after rushing here and there and making food for each party I am glad it is over too. Glad Jake had a nice Christmas. Enjoy your time off
Leslie
P.S. Are you feeling better?
Posted by: Leslie | December 28, 2005 at 12:47 PM
I think everyone feels that way at some point post-Christmas. In an effort to NOT, I've decided not to stress about putting away stuff, etc. I'm just taking it easy. I also did that leading up to it so that I could enjoy it. :)
Glad you had a good one!
Posted by: Ninotchka | December 28, 2005 at 01:13 PM