–Having a three year old there for Christmas. He pumped up the excitement one hundred fold and made it so full of joy.

–Gingerbread Houses. I got to help Jack make his which was messy and fun. The other family members were true to form and made weird and wacky creations found in no ordinary Christmas village. Unless your village has toilet houses, creepy rapunzels, or insane asylums.

–Smashing and Burning. Jack helped me gather old plates and cups (he put them in the basket of my walker) and pencils and paper. Each person smashed an item by throwing it off the deck, symbolizing something negative from that year we wanted to change or get rid of. I like to accompany my smash with a warrior yell. Jack found it interesting and invigorating to smash a dish on purpose. We all then wrote a positive intention for the coming year on a piece of paper, then burned the papers, thereby sending our intentions to the universe (again, burning stuff on purpose?).

–Christmas Market. Jack helped me gather and wrap all my gifts (upon seeing a package of ear plugs in my drawer he exclaimed “these will be perfect to wrap for a present!”) and put them under the tree. The next morning he handed out random packages to everyone gleefully (lots of trades happened) and quickly identified his own (the only ones I spent actual money on).

–Spending time with all my beautiful children, and especially the ones I don’t get to see very often. We had lots of hugs and laughter and good talks, and I treasured every moment.

–Playing with Jack. Okay, I know I sound like a broken record, but we had so much fun with him! We played cars, we built railroads and buildings, we imagined all kinds of things, we dug for dinosaur bones, we went to a cool farm park, drove to see two city light displays, went for ice cream twice, read books, went exploring, and were completely exhausted every night.

–Not being able to do everything I wanted. I’ve said it before, I know. I didn’t make grand meals or fun holiday bakes or neighbor gifts. I couldn’t lift Jack up and hold him or chase him on the playground.When I played with him it was seated and safe.

There was a lack of some of the special mom things I usually do for my kids, and some things I couldn’t participate in. I had to rely on my very extraordinarily supportive and loving family, and I’m grateful beyond words for them. But I’m getting so much better…so stay tuned!