Merry Christmas to you and yours from our little family!

It's been a very non-traditional Christmas Eve.  I'm trying to remember what most Christmas Eve's have been like in our home and have realized that these past few years haven't been traditional.

In the past, we've always had friends over for a seafood feast (an Italian tradition that Hubby insists on; and I don't complain - I LOVE shellfish).  But since the friends we used to have over have since divorced, that kind of fell by the wayside, since we can't invite one and not the other.  Which makes for a peaceful, if not kind of lonely, Christmas Eve.

Since Man-Child isn't a small anymore, we don't do the Christmas cookies and milk thing anymore either.  Although I continue to tell him "You must believe, in order to receive."  So, he grudgingly goes along and, miracle of miracles, Santa continues to bring him a stocking every year.  Funny how that happens.

MC opening his Christmas pajamas

Instead of the traditional seafood feast, tonight Hubby made a baked clam appetizer and we ordered in Chinese.  Instead of the traditional baking frenzy that would have happened over the past week, I made one batch of spritz cookies today.  I now remember why I rarely make them; although they are delicious, they are kind of a pain and they make one heck of a mess of the kitchen....and I think I may have butter in my hair now.

Currently, we are squirreled away in different rooms - Hubby asleep in his chair, Man-Child in his room watching Men In Black III and me, tucked away in my room tippity-tapping away while listening to Christmas carols.

Although the traditions are changing; evolving even; so are we and I'm okay with it.

But one tradition that won't change?  In a few minutes I will be watching It's A Wonderful Life....all by myself by the fire.  Since apparently neither of my guys can bear it.  Man-Child will sigh in disgust and walk away.  Hubby will gamely attempt to watch and then promptly fall (back) asleep.  And I will watch, cry a little at the sappiest parts, and be content.

Merry Christmas to you all, my friends.

He'll kill me if he ever finds this one online.....

May your holidays be filled with love and laughter and may 2013 be all that you need it to be.

Much love,