Wes took today off and instead of relaxing at home we decided, rather stupidly, to get some last Christmast shopping done. Honolulu traffic is, let’s call it bad at the best of times; two days before Christmas and it’s just unbearable. We spent nearly two hours in the car for maybe 30 minutes of shopping. Then, because we were already out and had already braved the crowds we decided to get some last minute grocery shopping in because if two days before Christmas was unbearable, we didn’t want to find out what Christmas Eve would be like.
But now we are home. All of our presents are wrapped and our stockings mostly stuffed. The tree lights are brightening up our living room and I’m enjoying a glass of Pendleton (thank you Ewa Pantry) for stocking such a delicious treat. Wes is starting the dough for Christmas morning cinnamon rolls, recipe courtesy of his mom and even though it’s still hovering around 80 degrees outside, it feels like Christmas.
We contemplated getting a real tree this year and finally bit the bullet – cost be damned! – and it’s made all the difference. Our home feels like the holidays and that makes me feel less like a grouch. We won’t have any family here to celebrate, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be surrounded with people we love like family.
Merry Christmas! We love you and wish you could be here to celebrate with us but know it involves stress and lots of money.