Post-Christmas Wrap Up

A blessing.  That is exactly the word I'd use to describe it.  I expected Christmas this year to run smoothly, but in a moderate and small way.  After all, you take small steps to make progress.  I was surprised however. 

Aaron had to work on Christmas Day.  So we planned around it.  He wouldn't be able to visit my brother's family in Logan that day, so we planned around it.  We visited Paul & co. on Christmas eve.  We went out to dinner with them and then went to their home to open gifts and play games.  Aaron, Paul, Jade and the boys get along really well.  I can see Aaron being himself with them and it makes me happy.

We were there till 11:30ish.  When we arrived home, I needed to wrap all of my presents.  With work, it was the only time I had to do it.  I think we were up till 2:30 AM wrapping.  I'd been exhausted all week from work.  Retail is hell during Christmas.  We both collapsed in bed after that. 

We needed to arrive at my parents' home at 8 AM, so we didn't get much sleep that night.  But we got up in time to exchange gifts with each other.  Even thinking back on it now, it makes me beam.  Aaron and I have been together for four years now, going on five.  This was our first Christmas together.  Having Christmas morning together is what couples do.  I really felt closer to him for it. 

So we arrived a little past eight and we exchanged gifts with my parents.  A few days earlier, my mom had asked what she should get Aaron for Christmas.  It really warmed my heart when she said that.  Aaron and I put both our names on all of the gifts we gave.  But later, after Aaron had left, I let my mom know which ones he had picked out.  She was touched too. 

My sister and her family normally come around 9 and we have a big breakfast together.  Then we exchange gifts with them.  Aaron and I planned on him leaving before she got there.  That way there wouldn't be any uncomfortableness.  (I'm not out to my sister and her family yet.)  I told my mom this and she said, that no, they planned on Aaron spending as much time as possible until he had to leave for work. 

I really did receive a lot of blessings this Christmas.  We were both dead tired, it's true.  But we got to spend the holiday together and with my family.  That to me is a miracle.  It wasn't uncomfortable or forced.  Parents are wonderful things really.  When they see the love you have for someone, some of their love transfers to him.  I could see that very clearly this holiday. 

I couldn't ask for more.  (Well, maybe a little more sleep.)

Giving Thanks

Yesterday I had an event that was a first in my life.  Traditionally my family gets together for Thanksgiving.  The past years we've met in Logan with my brother's family.  Aaron and my friends would celebrate the holiday at our place while I was with my family.  This year, Aaron, myself and two other friends attended Thanksgiving with my family.  This is the first holiday Aaron has ever shared with my family.  It was wonderful.  I couldn't have asked for a better time!  My nephews (all nearly teenagers) love Aaron, as do my brother and sister-in-law.  My friends and he fit in very well.  My sister and her family were there too.  They don't know that I'm gay.  So we did have to "straighten up" some.  I think that was really easy.  We had incredible food and a great time.

I consider myself very blessed that I have a family that loves me unconditionally and loves those I hold close the same.  It's a process of course.  But I never would have guessed it would progress so quickly.  My heart is warm.  I am proud of Aaron.  Leading up to this was a little stressful for him.  He is so concerned with making sure my family isn't uncomfortable around him.  Bless him.

I am also thankful that I have a job and I did not have to work Black Friday morning.  I work 2-11:30PM today.  It's a long shift, but it's not the craziness of this morning.