“Those were the days, my friend, we thought they’d never end. We’d sing and dance forever and a day…” ~Mary Hopkins

It’s Christmas Eve morning and I am waiting for the kids to wake up and open their presents.

Things are a bit backwards this year, but that’s what happens after a divorce. We are on an “every second Holiday” rotation. Last year my was turn on Christmas Day, this year it’s my ex’s. So this year – the kids and I are having Christmas on Christmas Eve.

I got a sub for my Spinning class this morning, stuffed the stockings late last night, and am just waiting for that magical moment when the kids come down the stairs. It’s not quite as fun as when they were little (they are 12 and 15 now), but hey – Santa’s still Santa and (s)he brought me chocolate, too.

When you put a thought into your mind, when you make yourself truly believe something, reality doesn’t really matter. For us, today is Christmas. No fighting, no tears, no drama, no stress. When the kids and I have “Christmas” (no matter what day it is), it’s filled with peace, happiness and love.

As long as we’re together, it doesn’t matter if it’s the 24th of the 25th. It’s whatever day we choose to believe it is.

We’ve made the best of our situation and now – five years post-divorce – we are getting used to things. We keep some older traditions and create new ones along the way…new traditions that are ours and ours alone (like our Jack Skellington-themed Christmas tree. Black, purple and orange all the way!). The kids are learning that life is fluid, changes like the tide, and constantly brings us new opportunities. And yet – through it all – our love and little family is the rock that anchors us.

Peace out. Gotta go check out my stocking.

~Helen