I’ll never ask my mom for oatmeal cookies again…

It’s so hard to believe that it’s come and gone. That the long-awaited day of celebrations of our Savior’s birth…with presents and food and family has happened and is now a memory. As I upload the photos to my computer and try to process the frenzy of the last few days….I thought I’d list out some things that I hope I remember a year from now…or even 5…but hopefully 30. You know I can turn anything into bullet form. 🙂

Oatmeal cookies are good. But making them is NOT an easy task.
My boys DO count presents.
Mama will let you help. If she has a debilitating illness.
Family really is the best part of it. Hands down.
If your husband buys you that Kitchen-Aid mixer, he WILL expect you to USE it.
When people say “if you need me, just call” – they might really mean it.
Santa can find his way in even if you don’t have a chimney, a special key for him or sleigh parking.
The more you say “I’m not going to overdo it this year.” is proportional to the amount in which you WILL.
Kids are really fun to watch open presents. The wonder, the surprise, the smiles…it just makes the hustle and bustle and money and time SO WORTH IT.
It really is better to give than receive. Honestly.
There is no better party than a pajama party.
McDonald’s really is the only place open. Really.
Being able to help your parents out more than ever is still rewarding even if your Mom is sick and that’s the only reason she let you do most of the grocery shopping.
Having a sick mommy on Christmas is pretty much the same as having a sick kiddo at Christmas. Feels just as yucky and you want to take it away for them!
Real friends wear pajamas to your house. And don’t care that you’re still in them.
Reading the Bible on Christmas Eve with your kids is actually that awesome. Having a husband that explains things and is so patient with them is even more awesome.
When it’s all said and done and your four year old lists out a few toys as her fave parts of the day….but ends with, “but spending time with my family was the best thing ever” – it’s okay to cry. It’s probably preferred to exploding internally.