This year my parents hosted 3 families for Christmas, including 10 grandchildren.

I can remember the excitement I felt getting together with my cousins, and my kids felt it too, which made this gathering even better for everyone.

Unfortunately, we had to pack up and leave early, which meant sad goodbyes and a Christmas cut short. Before we left, we had one of the best Christmas celebrations I can remember, including excellent food, a huge Christmas tree, and some great laughs with my parents as we put presents under the tree.

One funny thing that happened was when I took this picture. I was discussing the raging snow storm outside with my dad and earlier in the day, I had shown him green and yellow weather maps on my iPhone. While talking to dad, I snapped this picture of the tree.

‘What do you think?’ I asked him, showing the picture.

‘That looks terrible!’ he said glancing down at the phone.

(Uncomfortable silence…) ‘Well…you’re pretty picky,’ I replied.

‘Oh - I thought that was a weather map!’ he said.

It was funny after a late night of wrapping and unpacking (honestly).