Today is the first official day of the winter holiday for my eldest and let me tell you, it feels so good to not wake up at 6 am. 

No lunchboxes to prepare, no school bags to pack, no rushing around trying to beat the clock. Just quiet… 

It’s a little after 7am now and it’s still dark outside. But the Christmas tree is glowing softly in the corner and the lights we’ve strung outside are casting that beautiful warm glow into the room. 

I’m downstairs with my baby, who’s been up for about 15 minutes now but my eldest is still sleeping, probably enjoying her first morning without alarms and uniforms and schedules and she deserves it. She’s worked hard this term, and now we have three whole weeks to rest, reset, and just be.

Later this morningI’ll make some banana oat pancakes. Nothing fancy, just something warm and comforting that fills the house with that cozy homemade smell. We’ll stay in our pajamas a little longer than usual. Maybe watch a movie, no rush.

Most of the Christmas prep is already done. I have presents ordered and ready for my parents, my in laws, my grandmother. I’ve been slowly checking things off my list, and it feels good to be ahead of things for once. I’m still waiting on one last package to arrive today and then I’ll need to find a quiet moment to wrap everything up ideally without little hands trying to help.

But overall, I’m breathing easier today.

The pace has shifted and the season feels fully here.

Here’s to slow mornings, glowing lights, warm pancakes, and being home.

The holidays have officially begun.