Post-Christmas, post-tsunami, pre-everything-else.

What a way to end a really enjoyable Christmas! To find out that great hordes of people were swept away from their beach vacations, from their breakfasts and from their lives. I was driving my step-daughters to the mall and asked them if they had heard the news about the tsunami that hit Asia. They had not and I told them that the radio was reporting deaths in the thousands. They mumbled something about how awful it was and we left it at that.

By the time I went back to pick them up (don't ask, and I won't tell you) I reported to them that deaths were now known to be at least eleven thousand. One of the girls said, "That's not too bad. I figured it would be much worse."
Now, on what scale is eleven thousand people dying not bad? I don't understand this girl. Not sure I want to right now.

Christmas was probably the best I've had since my husband and I creaated this blended family of ours. Our kids seemed to genuinely like each other's company, or at least made a good show of getting along. There was a lot of laughter, more than we've ever enjoyed together, and when my son and his girlfriend left, the step-siblings exchanged hugs. That's a first. It made me feel good.

Also, my husband's sister and her boyfriend joined us for part of the afternoon and for dinner. She has not been friendly with my husband since their mother had a stroke in 2000. We're still not sure what happened way back then but ever since mother-in-law has been the go-between and it was time for that to end. I told hubby that we needed to invite his sister to dinner and he agreed. We phoned her and surprise, surprise, she also agreed. So, the family was all together at last. Mother-in-law phoned me several times since Christmas to thank me for arranging this. She was very grateful.

Now, the best part of Christmas was seeing a whole new side to my son. I had received a Dean Martin CD for Christmas (as per my request) which contained the song Amore. (I just love how smooth Dino is on this song!) When Marcus saw the CD, he got very excited about another song that I was not familiar with. He put it on and began dancing around and singing every last word of the lyrics. I was open-mouthed and absolutely delighted. I had no idea that he even knew who Dean Martin was (son is 31) much less that he would like any of his songs. And to have him say that A Kick in the Head was a totally awesome tune just knocked my socks off. I'm still tickled about it and it makes me smile every time I think of it.

All in all it was a very good Christmas despite my stress levels going into it. We have cut down the gift-giving to acceptable levels and the best gift I got was from my husband (via Paddington, a sculpted polar bear who gives gifts at Christmas) - a $100 donation to the Humane Society. It made me cry, just like the other years that he has done the same thing. But that's okay.

I wish I could give the feelings I have to everyone who is sad or alone. I have lots to spare and I know that for every bit I'd give away, I'd just get more to put in its place.

Now we have to get ready to go to mother-in-law's retirement residence for lunch - en famille. It's her way of giving back at Christmas now that she can't bake cookies or shop till she drops.