Christmas

The Best Christmas Ever is officially over.

Yesterday we had our final celebration. It ended nearly 14 straight days of food and presents. Oh, the presents. I don't know what happened this year. The stars aligned in such a way that determined that the Dailey family was going to receive every last thing on our wish lists. We are deeply grateful - and more than a little excited about our new toys - but I am feeling overwhelmed. "Gluttony" has run through my mind more than once.

I am truly looking forward to taking down our decorations. I need my house back. Last month as we strung garland and decorated the tree I didn't think I'd ever want to take it all down. Today I'm tempted to just release a fireball through my living room in an attempt to empty it out.

My kids need our lives back, too. It's all too much. If I could make it so we just celebrate on one day - Christmas (what a concept!) - I don't think it would be so overwhelming. But the fact of the matter is that we are part of a big, ever-changing, growing network of families. We are lucky to be so overscheduled in December.

Eric has to go back to work today (booo). I have to clean and run to Target. Things are getting back to normal. We are slowing down, taking a few breaths, and resuming our happy little life.

Merry Christmas, friends.