An Uncommon Christmas

When I think of Christmas, memories of familial traditions come to mind. Christmas Eve church service by candlelight, the tree adorned with bright lights, chubby toddler hands tugging at colorfully wrapped gifts, tantalizing scents of cinnamon and pine, the inviting glow of a fireplace, carefully prepared dinner buffet with traditional favorites, and sounds of holiday carols playing softly in the background of excited voices.


This year, however, was entirely different. Instead of a fireplace, our grandchildren - Ayden, Jameson, Ava - were splashing around in a swimming pool, followed by a visit to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Whoa there, Sparky... I'm getting ahead of myself.


Doughboy and I, along with Jamie, Jason and the kids spent Christmas week in Florida. We rented a lovely 4 bedroom house (that had a heated swimming pool) close to Disneyworld and visited 6 theme parks in as many days. Day 1 was Universal Studios; Universal's Islands of Adventure on Day 2; Disney's Animal Kingdom on Day 3; Disney's Magic Kingdom on Day 4; Disney's EPCOT on Christmas Eve; Disney's Hollywood Studios Christmas Day. Phew!


Thanks to a letter Ayden wrote to Santa, gifts were delivered to our Florida vacation home for opening on Christmas morning. With the exception of warm rain showers early Christmas day, we were blessed with perfect weather with each day's temps on the rise. By mid week we had shed our jackets in favor of short-sleeved shirts. Yes, we experienced a tantrum or two, and the kids were worn out by dusk each evening, but our family enjoyed a fun-filled unconventional Christmas holiday.

Come to think of it, it wasn't that unconventional. After all, Christmas isn't about a tree, fireplace, food, decorations, or gifts. It's about being together...


Wherever you were, I hope your Christmas holiday was magical!