Holidays 2021

I really enjoyed the holidays this year. Watching my mom decorate nonstop was entertaining, how she stores all these decorations blows my mind. The family room turns into the Angel room, and the living room turns into the Santa room. Too many to count, but if it makes her happy then I’m happy.
 
Not talking this year has made me become very observant of people and my surroundings. Thanksgiving was just the family this year, and I got to listen to the family talk. It’s kind of nice not joining in the crazy conversations anymore, I just listen and smile. I ate some turkey, mashed potatoes and all the fixings. My taste buds are weird, I think because I can’t smell with the trache. I liked the mashed potatoes the best.

Christmas shopping was easy this year, I got all the adults shoes. The kids got cash to do whatever they want, and I made photo books for my family from Google photos. Totally awesome gifts, they all got teary eyed. Ashton made a list of things he wanted, I picked airpods and let his mom buy the rest. Watching everyone together opening presents made me so happy. Just seeing the joy on everyone’s face made me smile.
 
Christmas eve we had our traditional open house gathering with all the neighbors. Appetizers, sandwiches and lots of booze. Again, I enjoyed listening to everyone’s conversation and jumped in when I had the opportunity. I maybe had half a glass of wine, and just ate some fruit. I stayed up late, maybe till 10:30 in the chair that night just because everyone was having so much fun. The caregivers had the night off so my siblings and mom put me to bed.
 
For whatever reason this year was my favorite i can recall. Just having everyone together, happy and not arguing constantly is honestly the best. Sitting by the fire, football on tv, the family all hanging out and the dogs playing together while presents were opened really did it for me. I was truly happy. I love this life, it’s worth fighting for. 
 
Merry Christmas and happy new years to everyone!