The house is dark, the tree lights are on, and Todd is now sleeping on the couch while ‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas’ is on in the background. It feels so cozy here, just like Christmas Eve always does! Since we have plans in a couple of hours to head out to his brothers for a little get together, I decided to pour myself a cup of coffee and come here, instead of the only other option – falling asleep myself!!
We were extremely late getting home from a friends house last night celebrating Tibb’s Eve. Have you heard of that before? In short, it’s a Newfoundland tradition that involves having a few drinks on December 23rd to celebrate the start of the Christmas season.
“The tradition of Tibb’s Eve originates on the South Coast of Newfoundland after World War 11. At the time, small outport communities were very religious and observed the Advent period as strictly and soberly as they did Lent. Tibb’s Eve was a loosening of the restraint. So, it became a tradition for men to go to each others’ houses the night before Christmas Eve, where they could “sample” all the goodies planned for Christmas. Lighthearted and humorous, it was a way to extend the season and tip a glass with your neighbours”.
Although we had a slower (and harder) start to the day, we pulled through and went out for breakfast, played with Charley at the park for a bit, and squeezed in a couple of Christmas movies. Since Todd only got home on Wednesday after being gone for 3 weeks, it was so nice to spend the full day together, just the two of us, especially before all the family and friend gatherings begin!
This Christmas will be a little different for us this year. My parents are away with my sister and her family in Toronto, and normally we would always spend it together…all 8 of us! But despite missing my family, I’m still extremely looking forward to me and Todd having our own little Christmas morning together.
The treats are made, all the presents are wrapped (quite in advance actually…go me!!!), and now it’s time to just sit back and relax and enjoy the holidays with family and friends because that’s what it’s all about – spending time with loved ones!
Don’t forget to indulge in some extra treats and give those around you extra, extra love. I can definitely assure you those two things will not be too difficult for me to do over the next few days. I’m already prepared to have the stretchiest pants I own on repeat!! Tis the season, right? And January 1st along with New Year’s resolutions are also just right around the corner, right? Right!!
Merry Christmas, everyone! I truly hope you all have a wonderful holiday.
Until next time.
