These last two weeks have been absolutely delightful. This is in contrast to the weather – which has been frequently frightful – sometimes icy, pretty darn cold and raining in between several rounds of unseasonable snow.

No… We don’t have a fireplace to circle around, making the house cozy, warm and festive. Still it has been quite…delightful. (I know, I used that word already, but it really fits.)

This is a totally different schedule from B.K.W.T.S (Before Kids Went To School) and what I used to do during the end of the year.

I used to take advantage of the quiet time at the office. I would work when everyone else was off. I would power through a ton of work. I would welcome the phones not ringing, the utter lack of meetings and appointments and yes, the slow down in the e-mail traffic.

I did this because we could take off when whenever we wanted to go on vacation. Summer. Fall. Spring. Or, winter. During a holiday, or none. A few days, a week or two. No restrictions on a predefined holiday by the power dictated by the annual calendar.

Now, when the kids are home – off from school and work – I want to be home and present with my husband, spending time together as a family.

Not just to share presents with them. Not to entertain them. Not to just be a part of their down time. And… Not just to celebrate the holidays with them…But, to take advantage of this time that we have now and may never have again.

This is our time. This all we get. What we do with it is our option.

• Days spent at home to linger and lounge.
• Hours to go out and about when the mood strikes us.
• Moments resting, relaxing and recharging – even making plans for the New Year.
• A couple weeks celebrating – more than just a day – with extended family and friends.
• Enjoying all of the time spent cooking, baking and of course eating lots of treats.

Yes. This is our time and just a few of the ways to spend these days, hours and moments.

These last two weeks off didn’t have to be spent away on vacation – at a beach or exploring a new city – just staying mostly out of the (home) office. (Okay, sure, I was checking e-mail but limiting work to what I wanted to focus on rather than what needed to be done.) It had to be spent being here. Together. Casual and unscheduled. I know this is a luxury, but also, quite imperative. If you can, this year you should try it. I think you too, will be calling it quite…delightful.

~ Dawn aka Hat Girl