I can start the countdown—December has begun, and the holiday season is just around the corner. For me, this will be the third Christmas we’ve celebrated as a family—I mean, with our daughter here with us.
Our first Christmas—what a disaster! She was just 10 days old, and exhaustion was etched permanently on my face and in my mind: I had absolutely NO energy to celebrate.
The second Christmas—my daughter was 1 year old by then—was much more enjoyable! She’d slept for 14 hours straight, so I had the chance to have a drink (or two or three) and really enjoy Christmas Eve.
Now Christmas 2020 is coming up; my daughter will be two years old, and as of now, small gatherings are planned but on hold, pending final approval from the government.
Honestly, 2020 has been a big year for me, too—I haven’t been spared.
January 2020: I started a new job. April 2020: I had to temporarily leave that job because my daughter’s daycare was closed. July 2020: a turn of events—life being so unpredictable—I changed jobs. Now it’s December 2020: juggling winter break between my available vacation days and the mandatory time off due to the daycare’s holiday closure. Phew!
To make matters worse, my partner was scheduled for EXACTLY the same week as me, with no option to reschedule. Great—a real nightmare! In problem-solving mode, I quickly brought it up with my manager, who discussed it with the team. Hallelujah, I managed to get my vacation week rescheduled—thanks, Johanne!
Now it’s time to wrap presents, prepare holiday meals, and plan activities to keep my little girl busy during her vacation. Her first winter break that she’s actually aware of. Sleigh rides, baking cookies, green-and-red holiday-themed coloring pages, pajama days, family photos in front of the Christmas tree, holiday songs and music… In short, we’re pulling out all the stops so I can work in peace in my quiet office while Pops (my partner) can keep her occupied without any hassle.
I’d be very happy to see our respective families from December 24 through 27, 2020. The wonderful memories that would be created, the joy of reuniting after being confined for so long. Delicious meals around a table filled with people happy to see each other.
However, it seems I’m feeling a bit “grumpy about Christmas” this year. It seems that calm, silence, and rest are what appeal to me more than running back and forth. Staying cozy at home, cooking a small turkey, defrosting a tourtière, making a Christmas brunch, doing a little dishes, a little cleaning—all without pressure, just going with the flow. Just enjoying the moment with my family, simply happy, grateful for everything we’ve accomplished this year.
Come to think of it, I wonder what kind of “bye-bye 2020” we’ll have, given the year of lockdown we’ve had!