I love the holidays.

Not only is it a time of year I get to hear from extended friend and family that I never see via Christmas cards, or be able to spend time over good food with family that is closer by, experience dazzling lights as we drive home, singing Amy Grant, and enjoying other old traditions, but it’s also the time of the year I know I will have a visit with Kaylee.  Since our busy schedules have narrowed our visits down to 2 times a year, her birthday and Christmas, which happen to be 6 months apart, it’s a pretty exciting time of year for my whole family because by 6 months we’re so ready for another visit. We all love visiting with their family.

One thing I love is that Kaylee’s family and mine have created our own traditions, adoption style.  Not only do I know that we’ll have a visit, but I know what we’ll do, what we’ll eat, and pretty much what weekend it will be. It’s been relatively the same for the past 5 years. Here’s our drill: We always eat at a certain Japanese restaurant. Always. What? Don’t you guys eat Japanese food for Christmas celebrations? I don’t know how it started, but we do and it’d be strange to change it up now!  Originally we all exchanged gifts, but last year we changed it up so that all the adults participate in the Dirty Santa game (more fun, less money!) and we get something small for each kid. And then, we sit in their living room, watch the kids run around, attempt to take pictures, and chat for hours.

The worst part, of course, is having to leave (or maybe trying to pick out a gift? That gets me every time!).   I always wish it could last longer because the time flies too fast and then it’ll be another 6 months before I see them again. But, I feel incredibly blessed to get the time I (we) do no matter the time length.  She’s a lucky girl to be surrounded by such love, and we’re lucky we have the opportunity to be there to share the love in person. And that, is a gift that cannot be bought.

(Our visit 2 years ago, 2007)

This post is written for Open Adoption Roundtable. Want to hear what others at the adoption table have to say about the holidays?  Find more posts here!