Christmas began early … a little bit before midnight.
As everyone turned in early … weary from too much shopping, from too much wrapping of the presents, from too many tamales, from too much Guat punch, from too much food, from too much family. I sat there energized ready and willing to go out into the 49 degree chill and watch the neighborhood Christmas Light parade.
Did I have any takers?
Just my four-year old son, awake through pure willpower.
Everyone else was sleeping. At 10:30 p.m.! Where was the Christmas spirit? Taking a snooze. I was looking forward to the parade all day. I imagined sitting there on the corner with my scarf and hot chocolate, surrounded by family and waiting in anticipation for Christmas floats and carolers to sing and dance down my little neighborhood streets.
But no … in the end it was just me and my son. However, seeing how excited my son and I were about the parade, my dude decided to join are little Guat party of two. We all enjoyed the midnight Christmas Day parade. And then crashed when we walked in the door.
Christmas Day wake up call … 6:30 a.m. My nephew enters the room …
“IT’S CHRISTMAS! SANTA CAME!”
My son wakes up, lazy eyes, but giant smile.
It’s a race downstairs.
The day begins with pajamas, smiles, and cameras.
It continues with family traditions.
Family stress.
Moments of peace.
Moments of laughter.
Thoughts of my Dad.
Thoughts of my uncle Erick.
Thoughts of Pinta.
Guat tamales.
The famous Guat punch.
The Connect Four Showdown … where I lost in the semifinals to my cousin.
And then a quiet night … again. All ending at 10:30 p.m.
Hugs to my children.
Christmas Day … It’s a day-long journey that’s got everything, including Sal De Uvas antacid for all the food I ate.
Weekly Image of Life Challenge Courtesy of This Man’s Journey.
The Wish Factor 