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Day Three Hundred and Fifty-Nne:  Christmas Day is Today

Spending any day with family is a wonderful day, but spending a day where you’ve thought out gifts and given them and seeing the reactions is even better.  Having good meals, good laughs, it’s all been such a whirl.  I love Christmas for many reasons but the top is spending time with my family.  Today I’ve seen my domestic and extended Watkin family, and on Friday we are heading to my hometown to see my Park family, and then its smooth sailing until New Year’s, where I will be (weather permitting) joined by some wonderful best friends tor ing in the new year! 

This Christmas has taught me a few things.  To round off a few:

-how to have grown up conversations with family about not just what’s going on in school, but working life, commuting, how it feels to have benefits, and what to have conversations about.  It’s all been quite illuminating, having actual conversations with family as opposed to the standard “How’s school?  How’s your job?  Do you have a boyfriend?” and moving into more interesting things.

-I actually can’t eat as much pie as I used to be able to.

-I desperately need new music on my ipod if I am ever going to enjoy a commute again.

-Homemade gifts are in high demand when you are a busy 21-year-old blind girl who knits during her Dr Who binge sessions.  This has come in very handy for next year.

-Note for next year:  Clean room before Christmas day so when moving gifts from the main floor to your room there isn’t a massive floor of crap everywhere.  I honestly can’t see the floor.

-sleep is essential but can be sacrificed for certain outstanding circumstances.

And among all else this season has brought me up to speed with the depth and extensive work an adult has to do in order to have a successful Christmas.  Coordinating work schedules for gatherings, communication with the rest of the family for food and gathering details, finding a gift for everyone and all at the same time also having time for yourself so you don’t get insane on anybody.  These things are important, but have been a joy to learn.

Except for feeling quite ill after all of that pie.

I am fortunate to have lots of my family still around me (this year) and the ability to spend time with everyone important to me this season.  I had power, which was lovely, and received many awesome gifts at the same time being so excited to give my own.  Friday is my tinsel Christmas, which only completes the holiday for me.  I hope you all had a warm, safe, and appreciated Christmas this year, and celebrated accordingly.

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