Xmas 2022

Here we are three Christmases since COVID first hit and we are still dealing with it and its aftermath. We did get to enjoy a family Christmas Eve with my side of the family but that's always a quick holiday and a little bit of a rush since either our family or my brother's family only has a few short hours to spend together since we are rushing off to be with the other side. Still, we ate, we drank and we caught up as best we could. My parents have cut down on the number of gifts they give (thankfully) so the unwrapping goes a lot quicker and everyone still gets plenty of presents.

On Christmas Day this year, we were supposed to go to Tom's side of the family but our hosts had two kids (son and daughter in law) with COVID so we didn't think it was wise to attend. Another sister in law also had COVID too so that really put a damper on our celebrating together. We did manage to see Tom's mom and share a few hours with her. Tom made a fun cocktail and we had some appetizers while listening to stories of the kids' polish ancestors. We made it home to cook our own last minute meal (thankful for those Omaha steaks, au gratin potatoes and apple crisp that were sent to Tom from a vendor). We added our own asparagus, fresh rolls and a salad to call it a bit of a good meal. It wasn't what we planned for our family get together that day but it was certainly better than chancing everyone getting COVID.

The kids still got everything they wanted and probably more than they were expecting. Austen got a letterman's jacket for his high school letters along with memberships to a Stretch Lab and Recovery Room for sports among other gifts. Peyton got airpods, lots of Lululemon and some surfing apparel. Hailey got a lap desk, her own first Lululemon gear and a big Bluey camper van complete with a jeep with surfboards. It wasn't a crazy Christmas of presents as we all have agreed that we'd rather spend money on our spring break or other trips then open so much stuff at Christmas. But it was a nice one even still with lots of upcoming vacations to look forward to this year. 

Merry (COVID) Christmas 2022! We had one who still believed (shhh!).