Christmas Dilemma

When we had children living at home, Christmas was a no-brainer.   Every year was exactly the same.  On Christmas Eve we had a light supper, then got everyone into their pajamas, read the Christmas story and opened presents from friends and family.  We would then hustle the kids off to bed and stay up half the night assembling bikes, putting batteries in toys and laying out everyone's offerings from Santa.  Three hours later we would awaken to screams of , "Santa came!" and we would be up for the rest of the day, marveling at Santa's generosity, searching for lost toy parts, and preparing for our big Christmas Day dinner.

Things are a lot quieter now...at least on Christmas Day.  Christmas Eve is our big party night.  Carl, Heather and the kids, Chris and Clare (and Simi if she gets here in time.  Just kidding, Clare...), Paul, Joanne and Nicholas, and anyone else who is in town join us for a big feast, a little program and presents.   After everyone leaves, we enjoy looking over our gifts, finding places to put them, watch a little TV and go to bed, knowing that no one will wake us at 4:00 a.m.

And there we come to our dilemma...what to do with Christmas Day?

Last year we took down the Christmas tree and ate leftovers from the night before.  In the afternoon, we played "Ticket to Ride" until Bill swore it off for the remainder of his life.  Not really very exciting.  So, this year, we have decided to create a new tradition for years when we are at loose ends on Christmas Day.

On Christmas morning we are going to drive over to Santa Barbara, find a sunny place to sit and just enjoy the ocean.  We will walk on Stearn's Wharf, ask the fishermen "how are they biting," and when we are hungry, find a nice place to eat.  We may look for a theater and go see the new Sherlock Holmes film which opens Christmas Day.  That night, we will drive through Candy Cane Lane in Oxnard and check out the lights,  drive past our old houses,  then turn in for the night at the  Marriott in Camarillo.  The next day we might visit the outlet mall before we head home. 

So, what do you think?  You're welcome to hitch a ride with us if Christmas at the beach sounds good to you, too.