I can't believe it's been two weeks since my last posting. Where has the time gone, and what have I been doing? A lot of things at work. January is my busiest time. It involves closing the books, W2s, 1099s, charitable contribution statements, setting up new payroll, etc., etc., etc. Fortunately, we only have a few employees; so I can't complain too much.

But there was also time for some unusual fun. Here's a clue. I just took my Christmas tree down this week. And, that usually happens around December 26 or 27.

The Ward family seldom celebrates exchanging of gifts on December 25. We have an airline pilot, a retail store manager, and one who only gets a couple of days off for the holidays. Mix in a daughter in Washington, parents in Utah, and a son and daughter-in-law in Arizona; and you begin to see why. We've celebrated with a picnic in the airport, early in the month, and after Christmas. Strangely, the odd schedule has become a part of our family traditions.

This year, we gathered in Phoenix on January 22 and had the joy of welcoming daughter-in-law, Amber, to our Ward celebrations. January 23 was Christmas Eve. It just wouldn't be Christmas Eve without the movie, "A Christmas Story," lots of munchies, and opening one package which always contains new pajamas. So that's what we did. Amber had never seen the movie. It was fun for those of us who've seen it a million times to watch her watch it.

Saturday morning we started with our traditional breakfast of cinnamon rolls baked in the shape of a Christmas tree and covered with green sprinkles then opened presents. We open gifts one at a time, so it takes a while. It's relaxing, the anticiaption is fun, and we get to see the reactions of each person as gifts are opened. We had such fun! Afterwards, we went to Olive Garden for a long lunch. No one had to cook. It was great.

We enjoyed celebrating in January so much, we may make it an annual tradition. It allowed us to spend December attending various activities and parties and celebrating the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. The January time was a focus on family and relaxing. Phoenix was a great place to do both. Warm temperatures and no agenda. Thanks again, Matt and Amber for hosting.

Side note. My tree stayed up so long, because all three households agreed to leave our trees up until after our January celebration. Turns out the other two caved and took theirs down early. But, I did enjoy a few more quiet mornings with just the lights from the tree--one of my favorite things to do at Christmas.