12-1-09 whoa... already? / by Melanie Grizzel

Where has this year gone? I mean I understand that we had a new baby in January and essentially started our business this year. But honestly, do we deserve this year, the years whizzing by like loose calendar pages? Are we living in a Frank Capra film? I understand as you age, time becomes more about the people and things in your life, more so than about you alone. But really, this quick?! 

My husband's family has the most amazing tradition. Every year on Christmas Eve we all gather around the Christmas Tree and talk about our year to a video camera and after we report on our year we sing Christmas Carols for an hour or so. It's such an amazing tradition. The first year I visited his home for Christmas I participated in this tradition that was almost 10 years ago. I'm glad I started at the beginning because before we tape this year's "Christmas Eve Program" we watch the "Program" from 10 years ago. 
The first year I visited and saw the program my husband was 16 years old and during his year talked all about getting his drivers license. So cute. The first year they have it on video my husband is just 8 years old and he reads "The Night Before Christmas" for the camera. These pieces of our family's history are priceless. And I'm glad I get to be part of them. 
This year our son gets to make his debut. I can only imagine how amazing it will be for him when he's 30 and brings his wife home and gets to see what it was like when he was just 1 year old. 
Try it. I felt hokey on camera the first couple of times but now I know to make a note of all of the years events and be ready when it's my turn to speak. 
I hope this Holiday Season is the best it's ever been.
All the Best.
---mel
She-N-He 
Austin Wedding Photography and Design