Holiday Blues?

For such a happy season, how can I get so sad?  I have so much to be thankful for, two beautiful children, great husband whose job lets us both be home with the aforementioned kids, awesome family (extended too),  our own home (although we are sharing it with the bank) and even the fact that we made it through another summer and that the weather is great.

So what exactly is making me blue?

The fact that I can't spend Christmas in the Philippines.  Around this time of the year, I can get so busy shopping, decorating and planning to meet up with friends (not so much lately...hard to tote a toddler and infant around).  But amid all the activities, there is still the thought that it would be so different and fun if we were back home.  Simbang gabi, the food, my parents (who won't even be in the Philippines for Christmas this year), my brother, his wife and kids, the rest of the big and loud family.  If we were there, we would be busy planning the annual reunion on New Year's Day.  The silly games that would make us laugh so hard my aunts have been known to pee in their pants (which one?  I'm not going to tell).  The shirts that reflect the year's theme.  The gift exchange.  The all-day food fest.  70++ (and counting) people that are near and dear to my heart. 

I may have moments of the blues but then I look at these kids that give my life such joy and the moment passes.  Because seriously, how can I be sad looking at such gorgeous faces.