In 36 hours we will somehow leave for Florida. Somehow. Meanwhile, our "kids" left yesterday for their yearly trip to NYC early in the morning early we did the Christmas celebration here on Sunday.
This was an odd celebration. Our daughter married a man last summer with two 20ish daughters. They both came east to visit and stayed with us ALONG WITH OUR DAUGHTER AND her NEW husband, their father. It was hard on them. Their mother died 5 years ago in December. We are a noisy, irreverent bunch. Rowdy. I think they were bowled over by it.
Our niece recently graduated from college and is living in Maryland. She joined the mix. We invited her and her boyfriend whom we had never met. Granddaughter 2 rolled her eyes and said, "Another boyfriend?" She has a way with saying just the right thing.
I worked non stop to make all go well. Wrapped all the gifts way ahead of time. Prepped the Gumbo so that it would be easier to finish on time. Still, chaos reigned with some awkwardnesses between the new and old family, and our niece and boyfriend getting harassed by the g'daughters . Harassing unsuspecting new comers is their stock in trade. Like Meet the Parents on Steroids.
I kept thinking, this will be over soon. Please, But then I realized this may never happen again. This is a most likely one time event to entertain these people. In the gauzy eyes of hindsight it will be lovely to remember.
Then today I had to get ready for Florida but was feeling bummed. Too much the hostess and damage control to enjoy our Christmas. Oh well.
Decided the perfect antidote was helping others - not my family, and not those who expect it. Took a tray of food to my long winded neighbor whose wife broke her hip and is in rehab. Took a book on New Zealand to neighbors who are interested in traveling there. Perhaps most satisfying of all, was bringing gift cards to a family that is struggling. They were very appreciative.
