A mulligan is a shot not counted against the score, it's a free shot, a do-over. Well, my Christmas was in need of a major do-over!
Christmas has been one of my favorite times of year. The magic of the season is beautiful to me. I love the lights, the smell of trees and burning fires, and, of course, the holiday food. I love the hustle and bustle, I love shopping, I love the crazy crowds (I just love people)! It brings something special to our everyday.
But this year, my Christmas was packed full of disappointments, hard realities, and difficult situations. It just wasn't what I had anticipated. It was busy and Aaron and I were pulled in so many directions that we hardly had time to talk. ***Insert wisdom about not over scheduling!***
So, it was no surprise that it took three attempts to have a family Christmas light looking and Santa visiting experience. Did you catch that....three times. Yep, three!
But there's beauty in a mulligan. Our do-over was a wonderful night. We enjoyed our kids. We met new friends in our hour-and-a-half wait to see Santa. We had a wonderful dinner and everyone was pleasant and happy, which in a world with small ones is a win in and of itself.
I learned some great things from my not perfect Christmas.
I'm learning that my expectations will not always be met and that I have to go with the flow at times. I'm also learning that mulligans are okay - everyone needs a do-over every once in a while. It's okay to simply try again. I'm learning to trust my husband, who is the master of do-overs. But more importantly, I'm learning to trust God even when the best season of the year turns out to be a big disappointment. He has a way of turning it all around.
So, after three attempts at a a magical night, we got it right. And we were able to have our very first Christmas day all to ourselves as a family of four. It turned out to be a pretty great Christmas after all!
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| Christmas Eve at Hulen Street Church |
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| Christmas Morning |
