Family – Christmas when you can get it – Man, dad, husband

It was the night before Christmas . . . But wait you say, this post is dated Dec 25th.

When you are the husband of a nurse, you learn to take Christmas when you can get it. My wife has to work at least one of the Christmas holidays so that means that she either misses Christmas Eve or day each year. This year, it was the 25th she had to work so we asked Santa to come on the night of the 26th instead. Luckily, I think he appreciates the ease of his work load with a chance to do some kids on another night so he said SURE!

Therefore, this morning was a bit different for dad and daughter than other people. She and I woke up about 8am and put on all of our winter gear (literally all of it.. We only have one set of long underwear\gloves\etc) and went out to mess up the blanket of snow before any one else :-).

We had the BEST time building snowmen, throwing snow at each other and making snow angels in the park. When we got to the other side, we met another ‘working widow’ whose husband is a pilot. Her and her son David were at the park for the same reason we were and David had a SLED!

Granted that this is Texas sledding which means about 2 feet but the kids had an awesome time.
David’s Mom and I were talking about how odd it is to know that we are by ourselves while everyone else was waking up and opening presents. She and her husband did Christmas the night before and dad left for the airport before the weather got bad. It was so nice to find someone else who understands the ‘Christmas when you can get it concept’.

Even though there is a touch of sadness for dad and mom about being alone ‘on Christmas’, I do like that our kids are picking up that the holidays are ANY time you can get everyone together for a good time. David loved getting all of his stuff a day earlier than his friends and my kid loves that her Christmas lasts twice as long as everyone else’s.

Apart from that tiny bit of sadness, I wouldn’t have changed today for anything. I wonder how many dads have precious time like I had this morning with my kid and don’t just savor every delicious minute of it.

On top of the wonderful day I am having today, I can’t wait for mom to come home from work and for the fun to really begin.