And so this is Christmas #SOL19

"And so this is Christmas and what have you done? Another year over and a new one just begun," 
-John Lennon

The flu.
Last year, the flu hit my children in early January and it didn't let go for two weeks. My daughter missed ten days of school and had such high fevers that I vowed I would always get them the flu shot that I skipped last year. This year, we got the flu shot- mine in October and the kids in November. My daughter did not take it well. There was screaming and holding her down and tears and anger that took a while to subside (hers at me- for the outrage of a flu shot). 

And still- the flu has found us. My son swabbed positive on Saturday morning. The doctor said, "Assume your daughter will get it." We've been taking temperatures, alternating Advil and Tylenol, applying cool compresses for days. 

Tonight is the Christmas Eve celebration with my side of the family, tomorrow Christmas Day with my husband's side of the family. All plans hang in the balance now. 

My mother starts preparing for Christmas Eve as early as September, thinking of what to buy the kids. She plans for months. Shops, wraps, lovingly prepared everything. Cooks a feast. She carries on the tradition her parents started and puts her whole heart into making a beautiful night for the family. 

I am so sad at the possibility of missing it. 

Yes, there is so much to be grateful for and yes things could be worse. But, still, the flu at Christmas time is just incredibly stinky. 
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