What I Hope I'll Remember - Christmas 2018

Our boys are four (and a half!) and two, and Christmas is pure magic. Every day is a true joy, with something new to discover for them or for us that enhances the spirit of the season. But I find myself wondering if I'll remember the perfect little moments, so I want to take a moment on this Christmas Eve to write a few of them down. What I hope I'll remember about this year's Christmas:

The boys' current obsession with music, specifically Christmas music. For each new song, we hear a mini-chorus of, "What song is this?" from the backseat, and they both know almost all the words to several songs, including "Jingle Bells" (all the verses, too!), "Rudolph," "Feliz Navidad," and a few others!

Spending two full days with their cousins (my brothers' 20-month-old twins). They are running, climbing, talking, giggling, learning machines, and we love them to pieces!

Actually finishing our gift wrapping somewhat early, but still being up past 10 pm on Christmas Eve (mostly due to Terry building Marshall's big-kid bike!).

Marshall being terrified of most television shows, especially The Grinch, and prohibiting us from watching it this year (or reading the book!). Maybe next year?

Declan copying almost everything his brother does related to Christmas but not really understanding most of it and rolling with it anyway. That kid is the essence of joy, wrapped in a slightly chunky, deliciously squeezable toddler package.

Marshall running out to the living room each morning to build the newest piece of his Lego Advent Calendar from his grandparents. (We also got for Declan, but he opened all the pieces within two days and we haven't seen them since...) His focus and innocence astounds me every day.

Our first visit with kids to the City at Christmastime, including riding every single escalator at Nordstrom and checking out the tree at Union Square.

Juggling the magic and joy of Christmas as well as a tough phase for Marshall, where transitions are especially tough again and we're dealing with LOTS of tantrums over even the most minor requests. It started several weeks ago and has carried us right up to Christmas, but we're hoping this phase passes soon.

Marshall and Declan requesting to see various Christmas lights displays every day on the way home. Favorites are "Jack" (a huge display with one Jack Skellington among tons of other snowmen and lights) and "music lights" (our neighborhood's light display with accompanying music).

Being willing to forego some traditions in favor of my sanity, more time together, and realizing that we don't need to check off every tradition to make the season special.

Mostly, feeling genuinely focused on this beautiful season and finding ways to spend time together as a family. Terry and I feel so, so blessed to have each other and to be raising these wonderful little boys, and we are more and more grateful every day for all our extended family and friends with whom we can share the ups and downs of life. Wishing a very happy holiday season to you and yours.