Happy Holidays!

In my family we have traditions. Lots and lots of them. When it comes time for the holidays I know just what to expect. It begins with Cousins shopping night. Then Applegate family Christmas the Saturday prior to Christmas. Followed by Christmas Eve dinner with my parents...lasagna. Christmas breakfast is next and then a rest until we head to LBI for a week with my parents and my brother and his family where we ring in the new year with crazy hats and noisemakers. Least I forget all our family photos.

Within the long list of events are little treasures. Memories. Laughing about my cousin Debby never being quite sure what her children would like as we wander around toys r us for the fifth time.  The stories my Uncle George has told a thousand times but we either pretend it is the first time or just flat out enjoy hearing them over and over. Shelling on the beach and trying to determine if that shore store with the things we want to get is actually open and what street it is actually on. Our family Christmas gift that is always red and matching. Walks on the beach. Football. The polar bear swim. The noise. The laughter.

We are so lucky to have a wonderful crazy family. This time of year is precious in its routine and as Brenton grows up he shares in the traditions. He already listens to my cousin Christopher's Christmas album as we drive in the car. Someday he will probably even sing along. He has had his second Applegate family Christmas and was the star of the show with his cousins. He ate icing while I made his gingerbread house. A new tradition. He giggled and stayed relatively still for the family photo. He stayed up way past his bed time. 

I cannot wait for our time at the beach. My mother hopes he will take his first unassisted steps and so do I. I am looking forward to the family photo in our red lumberjack shirts. To reconnected with my brother and my sister in law and my nephews. To hang out with my mom and dad. To just be quiet as a family with a beautiful view of the ocean.

All of this comes after a difficult year but one that is behind us now. It is time to celebrate and be a family and remember those who are gone and expand our family gatherings as well. I say to my sweet baby boy and to all of my friends and family...Happy Holidays!