When failing at Christmas is the best Christmas yet

This Christmas we did not get a tree, and we did not hang stockings.

I haven’t yet bought a gift for anyone in my immediate family. (Sorry guys, they’ll come… eventually.)

I frosted precisely zero Christmas cookies.

I keep pinning, but let’s be real. I’ve crafted next to nothing.

There have been no chestnuts roasted on an open fire, sprinkles snitched or eggnog-flavored drinks drunk.

But that’s ok. That’s not what Christmas is about.

We have safely traveled to see relatives in far-flung places—and were reminded of the saintliness of strangers on the plane. (Exhibit A: Our seatmate who let Peeper play with his iPhone when she was this close to Meltdown City.)

PDX Portland Airport carpet selfie - Ten Thousand Hour MamaWe visited the Oregon Zoo and the Brookfield Zoo. (Peeper looked at me like, YOU NEVER TOLD ME THERE WAS MORE THAN ONE ZOO!)

Peeper learned important new words like “snowman” and “jingle.”

We visited family—including some new additions whom I hadn’t yet met, and many of whom had never met Peeper.

Ryan Family Christmas 2014_2And Peeper has found her new calling as the Chicken Whisperer.

Peeper the Chicken Whisperer - Ten Thousand Hour MamaI’ll just go ahead and call this Christmas so far a success.

Peeper Christmas dress - Ten Thousand Hour MamaMerry Christmas, all!