It's The Most *Wonderful* Time of the Year?

December 5, 2005
This year, it has been tough to motivate ourselves to do all the traditional "holiday" stuff. Sometimes it seems like we're just going through the motions, because we "should." Various decorations, foods, and music bring back memories of the past holiday season when we were a family of three. Putting up stockings was the most difficult task so far. There is an overwhelming hope that someday we'll be able to share the joys of the season with children.

Other times, though, we love looking around our home, enjoying the peaceful "homey" feel, with the little white Christmas lights in our windows, cinnamon candles burning, Celtic Christmas hymns in the background, and sugar cookie sprinkles all over the kitchen. We love falling asleep nestled in pillows in front of the fire, reading books with cups of tea, and sharing Advent. We cherish our marriage- our family of two- and love spending time together. But sometimes, in order to enjoy the season, our ways of celebrating the holidays are different from others' expectations. We love to travel during Christmas; to enjoy the special-ness of the season on mini vacations- to the beach or the city. Others often expect us to go to friends' or families' homes, so they can "keep us company, " and act surprised at our response when they ask, "Just the TWO of you?!"

Yes... it is just the two of us. We are a family of two.

Due to our work schedules, we're often not home together very much. So, we love taking the holidays to spend entire days together. What a blessing! Now, don't get me wrong- we do enjoy roadtrips to visit friends and family. Thank you to everyone who has welcomed us. But sometimes we want time to just BE a family; to slow down and rest. (And I'm sure we'll get that Christmas tree put up eventually...)

I found a wonderful article from the Adoptive Families magazine, which talked about experiencing the holidays during the WAIT. Click Here to Read the Article