Heading North for the Holiday

Christmas snuck up on me this year - For some reason, I've found myself being forced into the Christmas spirit. With Christmas two days away and all of my shopping done, I've had some time to sit back and think how different Christmas is going to be this year. Frank & I are heading to Long Island in about an hour to spend Christmas with his family. In all honesty, I will get to see a lot of my family, too - My grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins - Even Dad & Laura are making the trip up on Friday for our 'Christmas at Grammy's'. Still, with everyone around, I can't help but think how different it's going to be not waking up at my mom's house on Christmas morning. Frank's family has been asking me what I want for dinner, dessert, etc to make me feel more at home - Since we'll be heading out to Winchester next weekend, my mom is planning Christmas dinner on Sunday, so I'll definitely get my fair share of her cooking! I know it sounds corny, but I'm not dreading Christmas away from home as much as I thought I would. My inlaws are great and I'm looking forward to seeing how the DeMarco's celebrate Christmas Eve and Day. The one thing I'm really going to miss is attending Midnight Mass with my mom and Laura. I can't remember when my church started this tradition, but for the past several years, at the end of mass, they turn all of the lights off except the white lights on the Christmas trees and sing Silent Night - It is really one of the most beautiful, serene moments. It always brings a tear to my eyes. It's a good reminder of what the season is about - It's my cue that all of the hustle and rush of the season is over and all that is left is to sit back and enjoy time with family & friends. Yes, this Christmas will be different for me, but it will also be the start of new traditions. Merry Christmas Everyone!