I love Thanksgiving. It's such a pressure-free celebration...at least for me. Those preparing the integral components of the feast may beg to differ, but for me it's all about taking a moment to take a closer look at the abundance of blessings that surround me while my loving husband carefully prepares the fruit tray I volunteered to bring. Oh, and of course, the most delicious of all foods are brought together for one glorious meal. And glorious it was. It's not like I didn't earn the one day gluttony pass. I did run a 5k that brutally cold morning (I had icicles on my eyelashes as proof), so that trumped at least one dumpling...maybe.
Eating until my little heart was
Shopping is one of my least favorite activities in the world. Laundry still tops my Activities-that-Suck-the-Most list, but shopping is near the top. So why would I choose to participate in the most ridiculous consumer gimmick of the entire year? To spend time with my dear cousin and whomever is crazy enough to join us (this year that luck lady was M, and I'm certain we've turned her off to Black Friday forever) without our children. Yep, that's right. It's not about the shopping at all, but our lives seem to be so hectic and a babysitter is so difficult to come by that we have to stay up all night just to get in a little quality time. Pathetic, indeed, but the laughs are completely worth every dollar I spent and then some despite the four days it has taken me to recover from the sleep deprivation.
My husband, who loves a deal, rejected the offer to join us but instead went his own shopping direction to snag a few doorbusters. We met up in the middle at our house to recover and spend the night alone (this hasn't occurred in our own home since we became parents). I sold the idea to my mom by saying, "Would you be able to watch the kids overnight on Friday? When it comes down to it, you'll be caring for them even if we are at your house because we'll be worthless parents after staying up all night." Nice, huh? I don't think it was my smooth proposal that she went for but more likely the opportunity to hang out with her grandkids.
E, who reportedly didn't whine the entire time we were gone, retaliated against us and the perceived abandonment by making the next 24 hours nearly unbearable with her whining and extreme neediness. There's always a trade-off. Still worth it though.
We topped off the holiday weekend with another family gathering and more eating and then the new movie Tangled with four of our favorite people.
Delicious food. Lovely company. Quality time. Shopping done.
Blessings galore!
1 comment:
You are absolutely right....It's about being together and I am SO BLESSED to be able to share these late nights with you. Even if it took us 2 Black Fridays to learn our lesson :) Next year we return to drinks and mexican and A leading the charge!
Post a Comment