Post-Christmas Let-Down

You could feel it everywhere tonight. The mega-sporting goods store, the favorite Mexican restaurant, the gas station. People were home, and those poor souls (like us) that were out, well - they weren't so jolly. Sometimes it's a bit comforting to know I'm not the only one that experiences the post-Christmas let-down. The anticipation and building up of the universal favorite holiday is no match for what lies afterward. I will say that I do feel extremely blessed I don't have to gear up for another day back at work like so many, and get to stay home, clean up, take things slow, play with the toys. There are definite benefits to my job such as not having to sign up for vacation days in January to make sure I get Christmas week off. And this year, it is actually just about a week. Contrary to popular belief, no, we're not paid for days we're not there. That seems to make a few people calm down.

Big purchase this year: plasma t.v. Completely unexpected. H and I had agreed - no Christmas presents. It was all about the upcoming mortgage and the kids. Then....it was such a good DEAL, though. You can't pass up a GOOD DEAL like that, right? Mounting that baby-that could have been one of those deal-breakers, though. Directions were vague, blah, blah, blah. H and I handled it well - he even gave me a high-five for my part in the heavy lifting. It was pure adrenaline. But oh, the picture. One of those things that makes me feel naughty and undeserving for having it because it's so beautiful. So thankful.

The kids were glorious today. They got along magically, dabbled in a little craft-making, lots of mess-making (I don't care - I care so little after a year of trying to sell that last house that messes don't have the effect they once did.) I even treated them to their favorite drive - through of late: Chic-fil-a.

We even made it on the local news tonight. Standing in line at Best-Buy, waiting to return a $140.00 Norelco shaver that I had bought based on what I thought was a major hint that actually wasn't. Then we get a phone call from H's mom: "YOU'RE ON TV!!!" And, true to form, S was kicking H and D was pointing to the camera and tugging on my sweater while I probably had a far-off look with no sign of a smile. That excitement had the kids electrified for a good half-hour. Local celebrities. :)