Ah Christmas. A time for family, friends, and peace on earth. Is it really? This year, I tried once again to make things easier on myself and I did, kinda. I was shopping like crazy up until Christmas eve. I started to let myself go to that place of horror if I didnt get just the right gift for each and every person. I stuck to my guns this year and guess what? I was still liked by my family even if I didnt get the most expensive or perfect gift. It really isnt about the gifts. Our family really, really just wanted to be together and enjoy each others company. Yes, there were those who imbibed a bit too much but we all knew that was because this time of the year is really hard for some people. The loss of our mother last year was hard on me and I know on everyone else as well. But this year it really hit my brother hard. The Christmas of last year he didnt spend with us so this was the first year he came to Christmas without our mom. She would have absolutely loved my mother-in-laws seven foot Santa she won on a raffle that she placed right next to the Christmas tree. My brother couldnt handle it and it was the very first time, even at her funeral, that i witnessed him cry. He wasnt just teary eyed he was actually balling so hard. I also think he really needed to do that and I went outside with him and we just held onto each other and wept. I am hoping for that peace on earth but for right now I will take having peace within each one of my family members.