Holidays Schmolidays.

I am remarkably, ridiculously, overwhelmingly thrilled to report that Christmas is OVER.

In fact, if it weren’t for Coffee, I’d have already taken down the tree and packed up the ornaments. I’d leave the lights up, though, because that’s my favourite part of the whole deal.

I’m done! Over!

Not helping things is the fact that I’ve been sick, basically, since the first day of vacation. I’m stuffed up and snotty and achey and freezing/sweating and exhausted and.. really, that’s not helping things. My enthusiasm is pretty fucking low.

The best part of the holiday was that Coffee had time off – paid! – and while he does have to work on Monday and Tuesday coming up, he’ll be off for 5 days after that. I realize that, to some, a few days off doesn’t sound fabulous or anything (and, I also realize that to others it sounds dreamy) but to me it’s a bit of heaven to have him around.

One of the presents I received is a gorgeous fountain pen. I’ve been practising my signature and even wrote my first letter with it (today). It’s totally decadent and, if I’m being honest, the purple ink makes it feel downright regal. I want to write and write and write and write..

The kids had a good holiday, I think, scoring some xbox games and a few things that they really wanted. It was more than a little disheartening that one of the kids spent a good chunk of time dissecting his gifts and basically tossing them aside after opening (and then asking, “Are there any MORE presents???” WHY?”).

I tried hard not to take it personally but, well, I’m only human and it made me weepy.

I know the holidays are a time of transition around here – the anniversary of the boys moving in is just the tip for all of us – and I know my own track record of holiday enjoyment is pretty much nil due to historical events like the death of my parents near the holidays. But I’ve been trying to keep things positive and I think I’ve done okay, if not fabulously.

Did I mention that I’m glad Christmas is OVER? Yes? Okay, just checkin’.

Yesterday, boxing day, we made our way to the mall to meet up with 16YO for a few hours. The boys’ grandfather had sent me some money with which to purchase gifts for them and the unanimous decision amongst the boys was that Boxing Day Sales were the way to go, especially when combined with spending time together.

Y’know how I feel about malls in general? Amplify that by about 40,000 hatred points for “Boxing Day Sales” and “Asshole People In Large Crowds” and you’re nearing the “festive” mood I was in. Luckily, I got to spend time leaning against a wall and people-watching while Coffee helped the kids pick out games and toys and things that they wanted.

My boys were most thrilled, though, at getting to spend a few hours with 16YO – they didn’t really care about the location. We did this whole thing “off the radar” and didn’t involve 16YO’s social worker or care home worker. I suppose that could have been a disaster, but, ultimately, things were okay on our end and I assume it’s all good on 16YOs side, too.

I want the boys to see each other more often, to make it less of an ‘event’ when it happens, and it’s just not possible when you’re trying to coordinate professionals and their schedules along with the schedules of 4 kids.

I’m counting the days ’til 2009 with the hope that a lot of little things will sort themselves out, some excellent resolutions will be made, and a fresh start on some other bits and pieces will take place.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to go kick someone’s ass at Tetris..