Let me first say that I love my in-laws a lot and they could not have been faster to accept me into the family. I know many families try to do this, but Rachel’s family really went out of their way and it worked. It’s extra special for me; I moved to the United States 10 years ago from Canada. My family still lives up there in the Great White North (in Vancouver where it rarely gets cold or white) and, although we stay in touch with email and phone calls, I don’t get to see them anywhere near as often as I would like. For a long time, holidays merely emphasized the fact that I was separated from my family.
So this year is different. Of course, giving her parents their first grandchild certainly helped me win their hearts. Still, this past July 4 found me surrounded once again with family and I know I will certainly have plenty to give thanks for in November. As for Christmas, I’ll simply be content having my wife and my son with me as we sit with the larger family. Good thing, too, since all the grandparents have informed us that we won’t be exchanging gifts with everyone but drawing a single name; of course, all bets are off when it comes to the grandchildren (as it should be).
So, how about you? Will this holiday season be your first with the in-laws? Looking forward to it? Stressed out about it? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Hit that “comment” link below and let me know.
Oh, this talk of holidays reminds me – Halloween is coming up. I guess we need to find a costume for the little guy.
