By Shane Smith, Personal Injury Attorney – Shane Smith Law
A Full Christmas Week, In the Best Way
It was a busy week for us. Last week was Christmas, and that alone usually guarantees things will feel full from start to finish. Not chaotic, but full in the best way. Full of traditions, food, people, coming and going, memories layered on top of memories, and those quiet moments in between where you realize how fast time is moving.
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A Christmas Eve Tradition That Never Gets Old
Every Christmas Eve, Holly, the boys, and I head over to Holly’s aunt’s house for lunch. It is one of those traditions that has stayed consistent year after year, and I appreciate that more the older I get.
We usually bring Popeyes. Typically chicken. We swing by, pick it up, and bring it over while Holly’s aunt handles most of the cooking. Holly’s mom usually brings desserts, so between all of that, the table is always full. It is relaxed, familiar, and a great way to ease into the holiday without feeling rushed.
Wolf House, Waffle House, and Giving Back
After lunch, we did our annual trip to what we jokingly call “Wolf House,” which is really just Waffle House. This has become one of my favorite Christmas Eve traditions.
Our family goes to Waffle House and leaves a large Christmas tip for the staff. Over the years, this tradition has evolved. It started with tipping just the server. Then we added the cook, because cooks usually do not receive tips and are working just as hard. Eventually, we included the other server too. It never felt right that one person would receive a Christmas blessing while others working alongside them did not.
This year was different. Normally, there are three or four people working on Christmas Eve. This time, there were nine. That completely changed the math. We were not prepared for that many people, so we split what we had among everyone. Some received envelopes, some received Christmas cards. It was not exactly the same as past years, but the spirit of it was still there, and that mattered most.
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Life at Home, Featuring Luna
Back at home, Luna has been thoroughly enjoying the holiday season. She especially loves the office, which is the hub of the house for Holly and me. That is where our computers are, where we work, and where we spend a lot of time talking. Luna likes being right in the middle of it.
She loves the carpet, but she also rolls onto the hardwood when she wants something cooler. One highlight, at least for Luna, happened right after Holly cleaned the floors. Within minutes, Luna grabbed one of her toys and left fuzz everywhere. Holly was understandably frustrated. Luna was completely satisfied. If you have ever owned a dog, you know exactly how that goes.
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Holiday Conversations and Simple Nutrition
During Christmas, a few family members asked about my diet and what I normally eat. It came up casually, but they were genuinely curious.
In the mornings, I usually grab a pre-packaged protein shake. It is quick, easy, and hits the bloodstream faster than a bar. At night, I typically have a protein bar. I rotate between two types depending on how the day went. One has more protein but also more fat and carbs. The other is lighter. Nothing complicated, just practical. They wanted to see what I meant, so I snapped a few pictures and sent them over.
Christmas Morning and Time With Family
Christmas Day itself was great. Holly and I always seem to wake up first. That has never changed. We took a quick walk together before the day really started.
Then it was time for presents, and everyone had a good time opening gifts. After that, we headed over to my parents’ house for Christmas morning.
Krispy Kreme, Timing Matters
Normally, we make a Krispy Kreme run sometime before Christmas. This year, between Noah getting in late and my parents getting sick, that did not happen ahead of time.
So on Christmas Eve morning, I picked up donuts to bring to my parents’ house. They were not quite as hot and fresh as when you catch the “Hot Now” sign, but they were still very good. One thing I noticed was how busy Krispy Kreme gets on Christmas Eve. They were out of many novelty donuts we had hoped to get. If you are planning a trip, earlier than Christmas Eve is the way to go.
A Simple Christmas Dinner Tradition
We spent Christmas morning at my parents’ house, then came back to our place for Christmas dinner. Over the last few years, we have had ham sandwiches with Holly’s parents.
It sounds simple, but it has become a tradition we really enjoy. There is something nice about not overcomplicating everything and just being together. After that, we headed back to my parents’ house again for dinner that night.
Airsoft, Memories, and Looking Ahead
While we were there, my nephew showed us the new airsoft gun he got for Christmas. We went outside and played around with it for a while. A couple of months ago, I took him airsofting for the first time, and he loved it.
We are planning to go again next week while the boys are still in town, which I am really looking forward to.
Gratitude, Reflection, and Perspective
Looking back, Christmas was great for us. It highlights how fortunate and grateful I am. Grateful for my family, our health, and the growth of the firm. Grateful for our clients and the opportunity to serve them.
Outside of a couple of minor colds, everyone is doing well. Having the boys home from college, family close by, and time together makes you pause and appreciate what you have.
Christmas also makes me more reflective and more religious. It reminds me to slow down and be grateful to God for the life we have been able to build and the people we get to share it with. It is easy to get caught up in the busyness of work and life throughout the year, but this season has a way of pulling things back into focus.
One Last Moment That Stuck With Me
One of the last pictures from the week is of Ivy, my son’s cat. She was sitting by the door waiting for Noah after he went out to visit someone. She kept checking the door like she expected him to walk back in at any moment. It was one of those small moments that stays with you.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and is looking forward to the new year ahead. This season means a lot to us, and I hope it did for you as well.
Until next week,
Shane
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