Merry Christmas

 Merry Christmas from the Sass family!

What a whirlwind of a year it's been. I blinked and we are here again. Last Christmas we surprised our family that we had a new baby on the way. I was exhausted, throwing up multiple times a day and couldn't even get off the couch. The fact I somehow pulled it together and did our usual Christmas marathon was nothing short of a miracle. I'll never forget getting ready to go on Christmas Eve dragging myself off the couch, getting dressed, throwing up, brushing my teeth and walking out the door to tell my dad and stepmom that I was pregnant. To put it bluntly, it sucked, and I was miserable. This year we've got the completed Sass Sircus, no really, it's complete and I could not be happier! 

The Christmas season is a lot. It's expensive, it's stressful, there are to do lists miles and miles long, but I always try and do my best to soak it up and enjoy as much of the goodness as I can. My kids are growing like weeds. When I look at them, I cannot believe how fast it has all gone by. I thank God for the gift of Archie because it certainly softens the blow knowing I've still got many many years with him and the "magic of Christmas", but time truly does fly! We've been fighting a virus for close to 2 weeks now, could possibly be two viruses? This year Christmas is going to look very different for us. Unfortunately, Archie has RSV and we've decided to stay home for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day so he can get some much-needed rest, and we don't pass on any germs. It makes me sad that his first Christmas feels "ruined" because he's sick but a part of me knows after all of us being sick for going on two weeks a nice chill holiday at home might be just what we need. We're going to decorate cookies, make spaghetti and meatballs for dinner tonight and tomorrow I'll make a roast so it feels a little extra special. Lucky for us, the kids are still feeling the magic of Christmas. They are actually all still ecstatic for Christmas (even if we are just staying home), even my bigs, and that's all that really matters to me. I have to say as sad as it is to see Kam and Logan grow up so fast, Christmas with teenagers is also a lot of fun. They really enjoy helping out and as much as that "magic" isn't so real for them anymore, they enjoy creating the magic for their little siblings. If you ask me, that just might be even better. We will reschedule and celebrate with our families sometime when Archie is feeling better. This will just be the Christmas that keeps giving. Deep down I know it's all going to be okay. Christmas is magical no matter what. And what's better than a Christmas that lasts for a week (or longer)? Not much if you ask me! So, if you're in the same boat as us just know you are not alone. 

As this year comes to an end, I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for reading here. I know it sounds silly, and you may not believe it, but I see the numbers and I'm so humbled so many of you read what I have to say. I know I've really picked things up here in November and December and written a lot more. I've really enjoyed it, and it makes me smile a lot of you seem to enjoy it too. Listen, I'd come here and write even if only 10 of you read it but the fact it's much more than that is both surprising and encouraging so thank you. As I said before a big goal of mine for 2025 is to take this space more seriously. I want to be a place of light in this dark dark world. A link you can click and just feel happy. I recently did a poll on Instagram and most people said they think I should lean into the "family" niche. When I think of the blog, I do hope to incorporate a little more than just family; think food, clothes (for busy moms AND the kids), sales, home projects, health and wellness (shockingly enough those posts are my most popular), our daily life, all my favorite things, etc etc. Family is and always will be the biggest part of who I am so I'm sure more than not that'll be the main thing here but I'm hopeful it'll be so much more.

Well, I'm off to enjoy Christmas with my family and then the kids Christmas Break from school. Although we have nothing planned for school vacation, I'm sure things will pop up....as long as we get healthy! Say a prayer for us we kick this virus soon. But even if this Christmas Break just consists of pajama days, take out and the kids playing with all their presents from Santa I'll be totally fine with that too!

From my family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas! I wish I could send each of you a card, but since I cannot, here's a virtual Christmas card.

Thank you, as always, Abigail Shea Photography for working your magic and capturing our family so beautifully!