With three sets of parents, we get to have Three Christmases every year. This can be somewhat overwhelming at times, but I’m grateful for each one every year.

This year, we started at Donovon’s mother and stepdad’s house just outside Austin. His sister Cortney and her kids were there, and his stepbrother, Ash. We do not get to see them very often, so it was nice to catch up with them. It was a short visit because we had to get on the road, but it was such a pleasant one. And I always look forward to the reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. It’s become a tradition that we play the gift exchange game with it, which I love.

Next we set off to Houston to my parents’ house. Admittedly, I was feeling sad about this visit. I was not looking forward to Daddy not being there. It felt empty and the hole in my heart felt bigger. It turned out, however, to be such a wonderful Christmas. We all felt his presence as we spent this special time together. There was some pain in the air, but by the time we left to head to Donovon’s father and stepmom’s house, I was much more at peace – and I could feel that my mom, sister and brother were too. It was such a comfort.

We spent the final round at Donovon’s parents’ house on another side of Houston. I was exhausted, but gained a second wind as we spent time with more family, ate delicious food, and played Trivia Crack. 🙂 I’m amazed at how fast my nieces and nephews on this side have grown, even though my kids have grown just as fast.

We headed back to Austin after the final round. On the drive back today, I felt grateful for so much love and joy this Christmas season. Although it was tough in the beginning, by the time we finished our Three Christmases, I felt a lot less sad and much more happy. I smile thinking about our nine nieces and nephews, the generosity and thoughtfulness of our families in the gifts we received, and the pure joy on Ava’s face when she finally got her Elsa doll.

It was a wonderful Christmas, indeed. And I felt my Daddy smiling with us the whole time.