Okay mamas, here we go. We are headed into the season of busyness, and as crazy as it may sound, it is my favorite time of year. I love the weather, the decorations, slow mornings, not having to pack lunches, and singing Christmas songs in the car on repeat. I love thinking about gifts for our girls and baking my grandmother's delicious cookies and rum cake recipes. There is something that just takes me back to being a little girl full of wonder, gratitude, and awe.
I have always wondered if my mom was actually Mrs. Claus because even at 77 years old, she doesn’t miss a beat. This will be her 58th year cooking Christmas dinner for over 20 people. She is even headed next week to the city to stuff her homemade ravioli. My dad passed away in November of 2017, just a few months after they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, and my mom still hosted Christmas dinner. There are two things I know for sure: Christmas dinner will be at my mom’s for as long as she can cook it and she will never take off her wedding band.
Year after year, decade after decade, we all stop for a bit to gather together and share a delicious meal. It is loud, a bit chaotic, and so much fun. My brother, who is my mom’s mini me, has taken on the most fabulous tradition of hosting Cousin Christmas a few weeks before in Truckee. It feels like a month-long party. Many years ago, my parents had a dream to create a tight family bond where blessings and meals were shared. It is fair to say that they cherished togetherness and knew that some of the busyness was worth it all in the end. They knew that the memories last forever.
I challenge you to be “good busy” this season. Say yes to what lifts you and no to what doesn’t feel right. Plan for moments of connection and rest. Remember that your babies don’t care what it looks like, but will remember what it feels like. Mushy alert: you are living a chapter of your life that you dreamed of and then made a reality, so cherish it. Their childhood will end, but the memories and the gatherings will last in their hearts forever, and hopefully the traditions will be passed on from generation to generation.