A Christmas Plan

12.06.2013

As much as I love all things Christmas related, I would be lying if I said making our Christmas plans this year hasn't been stressful. It's been very stressful actually. Christmas day falls right in the middle of the week, Steven can't take anytime off of work during the holidays (besides Christmas day), and our two families are spread throughout the South East. Put all of that together and it sounds like a recipe for disaster.
I was determined, however, to make it work, and after many weeks of near breakdown I am thrilled to let out a huge sigh of relief knowing that we finally have a plan.
We are going to be doing quite a bit of driving the week of Christmas (totaling about 24 hours of driving to be exact), but I wouldn't trade that for anything. We are going to be able to spend time with my extended family the weekend before Christmas, Steven's extended family the weekend after Christmas, and both of our immediate families on Christmas day. It couldn't have worked out any better really. We are driving down to Florida the weekend before Christmas to visit my family, coming home to Birmingham to spend Christmas eve and morning/mid-day with my immediate family, hosting Christmas afternoon/evening for Steven's immediate family, and then finally topping it off with a trip to Arkansas the Friday after Christmas to spend the weekend with Steven's extended family. Are you exhausted from just reading all that? I am.
However, if all this planning and driving proves anything, it reminds us that we are blessed beyond belief. Blessed with two large families full of love who we want to spend the holidays with. Blessed that we are able to make the drive to Florida and then another to Arkansas. Blessed that we don't have to compromise on which family to spend Christmas day with because we get to spend time with both sides of the family. Blessed.
As the years pass and Steven and I begin our own Christmas traditions I know things will change. Everything won't work out so smoothly like it did this year. There will be compromises that will have to be made and rotations that will have to be worked out. For this year, however, we are beyond thankful to be able to give everyone a hug and spend time with each of our loved ones. And in the end, that's what Christmas is really all about. 
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7 comments:

  1. Wow! We used to do that too... allllll that driving. This year, we aren't. I kind of feel bad, because you are right... Christmas is all about being with the ones you love. I hope everything works out smoothly!! =)

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  2. I am glad you guys came up with a plan! We are able to have a lot of time off from work, but with us being in D.C. and all of our families spread out like yours, it's tough. Thanksgiving was awful because of all the driving, but at least we got to see everyone. That's really what matters afterall! It's tough, but once you find a plan that works, I know it's such a relief. Happy Friday!

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  3. i love plans! and don't stress you will have a great holiday! good luck with all that drivin

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  4. Our Holidays are always crazy, it's easy to go everywhere when it's just the two of you..when you throw kids in the mix you want nothing more then to stay home and snuggle up in your pj's all day. Or maybe that's just me. Either way..Holidays with family are the best and I'm happy you guys are making it work! xo

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  5. Whoa now! Ya'll are going to be busy! Where in FL are you going?

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  6. Glad you got a plan figured out! Holidays are always so tough trying to see everybody. Just enjoy your time together!

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