No More PJs

Its Tuesday and I’m joining the writers over at Two Writing Teachers.  Consider joining in the writing fun!

The decision has been made… no more new pajamas for Christmas Eve.

Buying matching sleepwear was getting to be so time consuming considering all the sizes of the three children, two spouses, four grandchildren, and myself, never mind the expense of the purchase. And all that hassle for the purpose of a family photo, which by the way hasn’t happened for the last two years, due to babies napping or differing work schedules.

The decision came about after much agonizing.  I wasn’t certain if I really wanted to change a tradition that has brought much joy and laughter to our family for over 30 years. Each year’s design was revealed upon the unwrapping of the first present on Christmas Eve.  One year it was matching plaid, the next colorful stripes.  We’ve sported custom-designed t-shirts, and fluffy robes. Then there were the years we welcomed our soon to be daughter-in-law and son-in-law into the family with their first pair of matching pajamas.  Each year was something new and exciting. It truly was a wonderful tradition.

Time to move on…

I hesitantly discussed the idea of dropping the tradition with the family over the thanksgiving weekend.  They were very quick to support my decision, stating that they had drawers overflowing with nightwear.

So it is with a tear in my eye that I must say good bye to our Christmas Eve tradition of matching pjs and a picture to capture the event.

Maybe… just maybe I’ll buy them just for the grandchildren!

 

Antique Joy

It’s Tuesday and I am sharing my blog post over at Two Writing Teachers,  a meeting place for a world of reflective teachers.  Won’t you take a peek?

They sat there on the counter newly washed. Eight pretty thanksgiving bowls I bought at an antique store a few weeks ago right after offering to host my family for the holiday.  As soon as I saw these beauties I knew I had to have them for my thanksgiving holiday table. They looked so pretty and I immediately envisioned filling them with little servings of all the delicious flavors the day brings.  Seeing these bowls in the store confirmed my decision that hosting sixteen adults and five babies under three for Thanksgiving dinner was the right choice!

It’s rather funny how these plates have shifted my thinking about the busy day and to keep the joy front and center. The rose colored flowers and the pink berried edging look so festive and elegant and remind me of simpler times when families gathered more regularly. Each time I stare at these cuties a small smile crosses my face and I am reminded to try not be bogged down with lists of what’s left to cook, to clean, or to organize in the two short days remaining.  I am choosing instead to embrace the importance of sharing life’s little pleasures with those I love and care about.  I am indeed grateful that I have such a loving family that will gather around the table I set to share a grand meal served up on these lovely little antiques. And I know they too will smile at the little gobbler smiling back at them.

Six Word Memoir

It’s Tuesday and I’m linking my blog post to the writing community over at Two Writing  Teachers. Take a look and consider joining in.

Six Word Memoir