Christmas past ...

Growing up my family was very traditional. I think my parents being of a different generation thrived on a schedule, if X wasn't done when X needed to be done then it wasn't Christmas. Each year we would wait until after my dads Birthday to put up the Christmas tree (Dec 4). My mom would always make homemade chex mix thanksgiving and peanut brittle for Christmas and you could count on it.

I on the other hand wish I could be more like that. Rather I thrive by the seat of my pants every day of the year, the holidays no different. Organization and planning isn't part of my genes. My parents always joke that I came from the cabbage patch because I am so not like anyone else in my family. Sometimes I think I am a cabbage patch baby!

This year with all of the craziness and instability I crave that schedule. Baking cookies on Christmas Eve. Helping my mom make stuffed shells for Christmas Eve dinner. Midnight mass. The ride to church - always taking the long way so we could look at all the houses decorated with lights. Shrimp cocktail after church and opening one present before bed. These long rooted traditions - something that no matter what I could count on as a child. I miss that.

So back to my roots ... Christmas cookies are about to begin. I am going to attempt to make my moms famous stuffed shells. (Wish me luck) and maybe start a few traditions that my kids will crave each year.

That is the beauty of Christmas. It is the birth, or beginning... So it is my hope this year, that some of these crazy things I do are the beginning of something. Something wonderful I hope.

Parenting doesn't come with an instruction book - no matter how hard I wish there was. I may not be the best parent, but one thing I know is that when my kids go to bed each night the last thing they hear me say is I love you. Life is short, it's never too late for a new beginning.

Merry Christmas my friends. May 2013 bring you and your family rich blessings.