The Christmas season is upon us.  And the spirit has arrived in the Cobley home in a BIG way.  Growing up, we were never that into the whole Christmas thing.  Or should I say, my parents weren’t.  So, over the years I just sort of went along with it all and didn’t really care too much for it. 

Then two things happened.  I met Steven – he is English and part of being English means that you and your family go completely OTT when it comes to Christmas.  I remember Christmas mornings with his family with Lisa (Steven’s niece) and Sam (Steven’s little sister) opening what can only be described as an Everest of presents as the hours ticked by!  I still was not that into it.  My biggest peeve (and I’m afraid it still is), is being at the shops around this time of year.  I HATE IT!! Really I do.  I never really got what the big deal was.  (Wendy used to call me The Grinch). 

Then I had kids.  And I have to say that now I get it.  And now I am into it.  In a big big way.  Experiencing Christmas through their eyes is exactly what it’s all about.  For me – and yes I know this sounds cliche – it is not about the gifts.  That is part of it, yes.  But the making of decorations, the baking of cookies and mince pies, teaching them Christmas Carols, posting letters to the North Pole, and being ‘helped’ to decorate the Christmas tree – that is what it’s all about.  The past seven days I have had a lump in my throat nearly every day as I live this exciting time through my kids.  Well, really through Sarah at the moment as to Emily right now the Christmas spirit is all about trying to rip Christmas decorations off the tree and eat as much tinsel as possible before mom catches her!

We have a very busy calendar from now until the end of the holidays.  Some days I wonder where I will find the energy for it all, but when I see the excitement on her little face, it renews my enthusiasm for sure.  Still to come: 

A small Christmas party with her friends Amy, Nina, Rowan, Layla and Adam; Sarah’s school Christmas picnic; Uncle Willie’s Christmas Party (which is a blog post all on its own soon to come); Carols by Candlelight at Kirstenbosch Gardens, Christmas Eve with my family and of course Christmas Day when Santa finally delivers!!

And then a long well-deserved family holiday, part of which will be spent in the Wilderness – can’t wait!!!