The Chism Family stayed home this Christmas. It was the firs time since we married that we did not travel across the United States during Christmas. We decided to stay put because we just had a very expensive move the end of August to the east coast, and with the economy the way it is, we felt it was best to celebrate Christmas in our home. We still were able to attend all the fun parties out here and continue with Joli’s family Christmas Traditions. The Howards celebrate Christmas typically on the 23rd and 24th. Because I am a traditionalist, I asked Joli if we can celebrate Christmas twice! She willing said yes! So, we had Christmas at the Howards 2 miles away and Christmas at our home on the real Christmas Day with just our family of 5!

Christmas morning at the Chism was very relaxing. We started with a traditional egg, bacon and pancake breakfast followed by stockings and presents. The kids loved it! The rest of the day was filled with finger painting, a trip to the bathtub with dirty kids, playing with their new block set, tea set and tinkertoys and naps! Unfortunately, Joli and I did not take naps, just the kids.

Joli and I then headed to the kitchen to make Christmas cookies. Joli whipped up her batch in seconds (as she normally does) while I requested her help to speed up my recipe. She made a peanut butter chocolate cover cookie while I made Candy Cane cookies.

We ended the day with the Howards coming over for a late night movie of Home Alone. All in all, it was a good day for our little clan. I enjoyed the day/week off of work and am very grateful to have such a wonderful family.

The past couple of days you will find us resting, playing with our kids, taking a few quiet walks with family members, having a few friends over (Laughman’s last night), watching a movie or two or reading a good book. Joli got me a few John Grisham books that we are going to read out loud together. I also just started an amazing book called, “Worldliness” edited by C.J. Mahaney. It is powerful and just what I needed to read right now in my life.