For the last couple of years, Ian and I would make the drive/flight down to my parents to spend a week and celebrate what a long-ago friend christened “Bastard-Christmas”.

Christmas that was “bastardized” by being held on the 23rd of December.

Well, it’s the 23rd and I am missing my holiday tradition.

It’s bizarre, this is the first time I’ll miss both Christmas and New Years with Ian since we started dating. Hopefully, it’s also the last.

Even with the bit of melancholy of not getting to celebrate with both of my families, I know that there’s a lot to be joyful for this year.

So while drinking my cup of Joy (new Starbucks tea– apricots with hints of floral notes, really quite lovely) I composed a short list of things to be thankful for this warm holiday season.

1. I’m engaged, we’ve set a date, and we’ve almost completely narrowed down our guest list.
2. I’m (mostly) set to graduate in May.
3. I’ve got a fantastic job opportunity lined up for after graduation.
4. I get to spend time with my mom and dad, and with my younger brother and sister.
5. I have the sweetest little Shadow, Sasha, who seems petrified that I’m going to vanish at any moment.

I cannot wait til I go home to my (slightly more) wintry Georgia, but I’m enjoying this break with my family. Hard to believe it will be my last!