Christmas during a pandemic was definitely different, but it wasn't cancelled. Our family decorated the house as usual, and we did what we could to connect with family and make things feel as normal as possible. Ginny always enjoys playing with the tree ornaments and sleeping underneath with the presents. We left a little space for her between the gifts.
One of our holiday traditions - driving through the Magic of Lights at the Daytona International Speedway - didn't have to change at all during coronavirus. We arrived early to get some food from P.F. Chang's. While we were waiting, the kids enjoyed playing in the fountains by the shopping area. It was wonderful seeing them running around outside so full of joy.
The wait to get into the car line was longer than in years before, perhaps because it was the perfect safe event to attend this year. But it was as wonderful as always.
My favorite part of the lights is that they have a "Florida Christmas" theme. (That's Santa in the hammock.)
Kraig opened the skylight to let the kids stick their heads out (we were driving really slowly).
The kids' favorite parts are when the cars drive through tunnels of pulsating lights, making it appear like you're going through space at warp speed. (A video would have been more effective here...)
We knew we'd be able to have an in-person celebration with Dad and Sujata, but we'd have to do it outside, and it was forecasted to be very cold on Christmas. No problem - we moved up the celebration to the 23rd, a beautiful, pleasant day. Ginny knew to run to Granddad to request her treats.
We gathered the presents from under the tree and brought them out to the lanai. So, even though we were separated by about 20 feet, we were still able to open presents together. The kids had been obsessed over a "mystery" present that was shaped like a skateboard but too light (and with no wheels). For days before Christmas they'd measure it, weigh it, and make guesses as to what it could be. I promised Ronan he could open it first. (If you're wondering, it was an underwater surf board from Uncle Kevin's family, and it's a lot of fun!)
Ginny smelled her way into her gift bag, where she found more treats and a customized food bowl designed by Brielle (and held by Ronan in this photo). It had four photos of Ginny and her name on it.
Dad received a calendar from the Grandkids. Surprise! He loved it.
Finally, we enjoyed a meal together.
The kids received several pool-related items, including these floating chairs from Kevin's family. On the warmer days before and after Christmas, we were able to heat up the pool to try them out.
On the 24th, we enjoyed a present-opening Zoom call with Grandma Pat, Grandma Sue, Kevin, and Tavi. It was disappointing we couldn't hang out in person and watch the cousins play together, but we still enjoyed seeing each other and loved all of the generous gifts.
On Christmas morning, the kids found their stockings full.
Finally, we Zoomed with Papa, Nana, Amy, Todd, Stella, and Grammy. We took turns opening our gifts as if we were all together. We also had phone calls with Aunt Kelly and Grandpa Taylor.
Christmas was indeed cold, but that didn't stop the kids from running outside to have a (toy) snowball fight in front of the snowfall lights on the garage. I kept encouraging them to put on a coat, but they insisted they wanted to feel cold as if it was actually snowing.
Many thanks to our loving family for the special gatherings and gifts. We miss you all and can't wait for everything to go back to normal. May we all have a very happy New Year!
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