How are things in Guatemala?

"Daddy, make sure to wave at Santa from the plane!" my daughter told the huz as he headed out the door for a two-day to Guatemala, his Christmas gift glistening from his tie.

We knew a trip over the holidays would be avoided only by an act of God. But considering we must have done something really nasty to incur the wrath of two straight months of illness, we figured He'd overlook our request. And so, we've made the decision to celebrate our Christmas on December 26.

I admit that I was a little disappointed to have to reschedule. Granted with everything going on these days, it's probably a blessing in a pretty obvious disguise. And while my kids are too young to count and really won't know any better, I still felt like maybe they'd be missing out - the excitement of Christmas eve, the rush on Christmas morning.

The magic.

Even though I'm a non-practicing Christian, there is a part of me that believes that the birth of Jesus is inherently intertwined with the Christmas magic. And while I realize that technically Easter is the most important Christian holiday, to me, Christmas is one that I feel most comfortable embracing and sharing with my children. The story is beautiful, touching, and well, magical. 

So when you move it up a day, it just doesn't seem to have the same ring. I mean, we all know how the day after a birth is. "And Mary stuffed her burlap underpants with leftover swaddling blankets and drank extra wine to deal with the uterine cramps."

Not so magical. 

And "Twas the Night of Christmas and all through the house, mommies were trying to figure out what the hell to do with the 25 loud ass toys from the in-laws that won't shut off."

Yeah. No magic there either.

But then I realized that it doesn't really matter when we celebrate, so long as it's a day where we'll all be together, sharing our love and our germs under the bright lights of our slightly off kilter Christmas tree. 

Now that is magic.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Comments

[Pam]

We will be celebrating again in February when the hubby comes home from the sandbox. Doesn't even phase our three year old, me on the other hand, I'm ready to break into tears at any second. Have a happy Christmas as my daughter says.

[Awesome Mom]

Merry Christmas! Jesus really was not born in December, so don't feel bad about celebrating his birth on a different day. It sure did not bother the church people that originally combined the winter solstice celebration with Christ's birth.

[The Other Sister-in-Law]

The whole point of Christmas (for Christians, at least) is to celebrate Christ's birth. And honestly, it's something we should be doing everyday, not just one day a year. And for non-christians, I think it's a time to celebrate all the gifts we have in our lives, and spend time with those we love the most. Who says it has to be Dec. 25? Spend it whenever you want, when it means the most to you. It is not worth all the hassle and rushing and stress of celebrating on one certain day if it means you won't even be able to enjoy it.

[mothergoosemouse]

As one from a family who celebrated memorial services at a time when everyone could get together, I say it's the togetherness that's important - not the date on which it occurs.

[Suebob]

My dad was on call for pretty much my whole life. He worked loading oil onto ships and the phrase "the ship is in" never had a good connotation. I remember one Christmas where we waited til 2 pm to open presents, so he could come after working all night and half the day and we could all open presents together. It was torture to wait - but it is one of the Christmases I remember best.

[Emily]

Happy Christmas!

[Veep Veep]

Merry Christmas!!!

[Lady M]

Merry Christmas! Wishing you health and happiness.

[Sam]

Duuuude. Mary's first day post-partum? Just made my whole holiday. Or, the holiday that I am skipping because my child is 3000 miles away. We will celebrate when he comes home. January 4th. How's that for delayed?

[Asianmommy]

Well said! Enjoy your family Christmas.

[Maman]

Hmmm, I remember learning that it was considered a sin to even consider suffering labor pains, I know I am going to hell for reading that passage about the burlap underwear.

[The Mrs.]

Merry Christmas! Enjoy the time together as a family, no matter what day you celebrate it!

[Bill]

The bit about Mary's day after was fantastic! Boy I'm glad I'm a guy.

I'm sure that your kids' (and husband's, and hopefully your) enjoyment of the day, even though it's not quite when it should be, will make up for the strangeness of moving it. What a crummy sentence that is...oh well, you know what I mean.

Merry XMAS!

[Redneck Mommy]

Merry Christmas Kristin.

I hope your family has a lovely celebration, regardless of when you celebrate.

[Renee aka Mekhismom]

Merry Christmas! And if it is any consolation Jesus wasn't really born on December 25th.

[Lee from MWOB]

Merry Christmas Kristen. I hope you have a moment during the magic when you realize what a kick-ass mom you are. Cause you ARE. I can just tell. I hope to not see a post pop up in my email for a couple of days....you need some time off! :-)

[linda]

Having 3 grown children- 1 of who can usually accomidate our schedules, 1 is an EMT- doing a 24 on Christmas Eve, 1 is a Marine- this is our last Christmas together for 3yrs. It is killing me- he's my much spoilt 19yr old baby. I still have his girlfriend who is a sweet heart. I know some of the schedule delima - also I am AF Vet. Just enjoy what you can.
Send all the noisy toys back to grandma. If that doesn't work make them disappear one by one to where noisy stuff should go- not in your home. I used to exchange stuff we didn't want the children to have that mil sent. I had my dh blessing to do it. Does a 5yr old need 2 big remote control vehicles - I think not and guess who trips over them.
Merry Christmas.

[Issa]

Half of my celebrations were on the wrong day as a kid. Divorced parents, what can you do? It's about what you do, not when you do it. Plus maybe by then you'll feel well enough to enjoy it. :)

Have a great holiday.

[April]

merry christmas.

[Fairly Odd Mother]

May you have a magical Christmas on December 26th this year. And by "magical" I mean healthy and happy and with your favorite drink of choice. I just learned that the 12 days of Christmas last for the 12 days AFTER the 25th, so enjoy!

[Manic Mommy]

My FIL was a surgeon. My MIL takes great pride in telling stories of Christmas being moved to Daddy's day off. Somehow my husband and his siblings survived and thrived. As will yours. The important part is being together.

[carosgram]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

[Mark]

As an airline family who's spent the years working the way up the seniority bell curve. We, like you, have taken to celebrating it any day we're all together. Good news, no lasting effects on the 5 kids who are all now in their 20's.

[Multi-Tasking Mommy]

We've been trying to convince our parents for years now that it is the time of year that matters and as long as we see each other, that is all that counts. It's hard to convince though.

Merry Christmas and I'm sorry you had to postpone.