Personally, in some ways, I really liked having the Schwartz Christmas a week later. The big problem with Christmas is that you anticipate it for 365 days. There is so much hype and excitement and it is all over in a matter of 24 hours. It's like a sugar rush with a serious crash. It sucks. This year, because Schwartzmas was to be held on January 1st, once the Christmas festivities were completed on December 25th, there was no sadness. The spirit lived on because there was still more Christmas ahead. The holiday was not over yet. In fact, the feeling carried on for a whole 'nother week. (Of course it about killed my children, husband included, waiting that long for Schwartzmas.)
New Year's Eve, we kicked off Schwartzmas with a delicious lasagna dinner which Mom had warned us was "sparse". And it was sparse. Sparse in the aspect that we could only feed half the neighbors, instead of the usual amount she cooks that would feed them all. We loaded into cars, braving the thunder and lightening, and headed on to Starry Nights. It took Hawkins an entire three minutes on the car ride there to commence snoring. Poor guy missed the whole thing.
Houston joined us in the front for a better view while Hayes hopped in Adam's lap. He helped drive us through the lightshow. There were many oooh's and aaaah's along the way. There was the traditional ball rolling down the hill to light a tree (which is super cool and they have done it every year since I can remember). We passed through the under the sea segment and even saw a blue monster in the lake, which we are still debating as a t-rex with a raccoon tail or an alligator with an extremely short snout. My favorite portion of the "ride" is a forest of tall trees draped with about a thousand lighted yellow and white stars. It just looks magical. At the very end was a simple nativity scene, plain even, in comparison to the rest. However, that is what excited my boys the most. "Baby Jesus!" they both exclaimed while pointing. It delighted my heart that these two young boys, my two young boys, understand the significance of Christmas.
We headed home for some hot chocolate made from scratch and some homemade marshmallows that Natalie had cooked up in all her spare time. They were a million times better than the ones you buy in a bag! Everyone donned their pajamas and cozied up on the couch to watch Tim Allen in The Santa Claus.
Schwartzmas morning was just too wonderful -- as always. All the boys helped Grandpa play Santa and disperse all the presents to their rightful owners. Even though this had also been described as sparse (yeah right), it wasn't long before the room was filled with laughter and smiling faces. The floor was quickly covered in empty boxes, shreds of wrapping paper, and the annoying little plastic ties from packaging.
We all enjoyed the Christmas morning breakfast, Schwartz family style -- a can of cinnamon rolls shaped like a Christmas tree topped with green sprinkles and cherries. Houston proudly ate four rolls which happens to be as many as his dad ate. Then, everyone settled back into the living room to play with their new gifts.
Holt buddied up with Grandpa nearly the entire day.
And Holt thanked him with a very special present.
Natalie and I (but mostly Natalie) baked two batches of cookies while Grandma napped with Hawkins and Grandpa napped with Holt. Sweet Sarah napped up in her bed and Adam, Chris, and Houston put together the new Lego sets. Hayes enjoyed quietly playing with the new Batman set all to himself. As I surveyed it all, I took a moment to let it sink in. This was Christmas, even though we had to wait until the next year to experience it. Schwartzmas was totally special and definitely worth the wait. While we all scored some pretty sweet gifts, it was a wonderful time of family. Isn't that what Christmas is all about anyway?!
Wow, reading that brings back memories of Christmas from my childhood that I'll never forget. Awesome blog. I'm glad the Schwartz's had a good Christmas. Great storytelling, and very well written Melissa!
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