Never has it been more apparent to us that as long as you are with family, you are at home. We still talk of home as Canada but we have most certainly felt all the warmth of home here this Christmas.
The age of our kids creates the perfect balance of wonder and stamina meaning that we can make the most of each day. With my goal of “no Christmas experience left behind!” the stamina has been fairly crucial. But who are we kidding, it’s the stamina of Mom and Dad that starts to wear thin…a constant supply of candy would ensure that the kids could go on forever.
The Christmas scenes we’ve continued to discover here offer both “just like home” familiarity and head scratching perplexion.
Here, the big family gathering is on Christmas Eve. We were treated to an incredible feast, shared with our Swiss family. Christmas has proven to be just as wonderful, festive and full of love as it is in Canada.
After a lovely evening with too much food and wine we walked the block and a half back home to tuck into bed in hopes of an un-Swiss visit from Santa.
Perhaps the greatest gift of all this year is the happiness of the kids. In a world where I still wonder almost every day just how this year is shaping us all, Helena delivered my most precious gift this morning.
With a huge grin on her face she remarked “I love my life. I’m a happy girl.”
And that, for me, is all I could ask for. Indeed, it’s a wonderful, wonderful life.
Sending love, happiness and Christmas greetings to all our family and friends at home. Thank you for the love you have sent our way. May your days be as merry and bright as ours have been.
