Oh What Fun It Is to...Hibernate

Gma and Da Boyz

The past few weeks have been lovely. Christmas and solstice celebrations struck just the right notes, with family time, outdoor play in the cold, pretty lights all around, Christmas caroling in the neighborhood, playing newly-gifted games by a crackling fire. We pulled Noah into the rituals of gift-hiding, conspiratorial secret wrapping behind closed doors and wondering what fun might be concealed inside each present.

I've been off of work since mid-December, my mother's visited for several days and both Grandmas have provided some wonderful help with childcare. Matthew and I enjoyed 3 (three!) dates together, including our first movie date since moving to Durham almost 2 (two!) years ago. I've practiced yoga most every day. Most of our friends have been away and our usual dance class, preschool, playdates, library, children's museums, etc. are closed or have greatly reduced hours, nudging us to turn toward one another for recreation and companionship. You know it's a real vacation when you lose track of the date and day of the week.

It feels like a real feat given all we are told about what the holidays are like - unpleasant time with family, stressful travel, obligatory gift-giving and spending beyond means. It doesn't have to be that way, I am realizing. For me, deciding what elements of winter holidays are meaningful and fun (honoring the short days and long nights of winter with lights, singing and simple gift-giving) and rejecting all the rest (shopping mania, fretting about gifts to everyone I know, extensive travel) is key. I am luxuriating in this really slow pace right now. I wouldn't want to live this way forever but I'd like to maintain this sense of calm and ease when we return to a more robust schedule tomorrow. Breathe, mama.

Matthew and I created a family mantra for the new year - one that we hope will help remind us of our priorities in more stressful times: "We are on the same team." It's an easy enough one to share with Noah, in fact - I whipped it out this morning as he and I attempted to get out the door this morning for a train adventure, me chasing down his socks and shoes while he distractedly dawdled.

Our connection to one another is the most important thing. It's so easy to lose sight of that...

How did you keep the holidays fun and fulfilling?