Deck the halls

I decided today was the day to "deck the halls" given it is the first of December and because it always puts me in a good mood. This is the first year that we won't be with family for Christmas. I am filled with a mix of emotions. I am excited to start our own family traditions such as cutting down a fresh tree. One of my friends told me about a tradition in their family called the Elf on the Shelf. It is a cute little elf that shows up at the house and watches over the children to ensure they are behaving and every night it returns to the North Pole to report to Santa. We are going to implement the same tradition into our house. I am excited to see how Vance does with it.

With my excitement there is also sadness. I know that I am an adult but this is the first year that I have ever been away from my mother on Christmas. Granted I have not been in the same house as her on Christmas morning for years, however, I have never not been able to get in the car and drive to see her. I know that she too feels sadness about us not being home for Christmas. I have to find strength in the fact that we will be together next year and in that I am starting traditions with my amazing husband and wonderful little boy.