The Cough that almost stole Christmas

Joy to the world, the Cough remains, so while Heav'n and Nature sang, yours truly could not.

Pro's and Cons of being sick during Christmas:

First, the not so great stuff:

1. It was very difficult to get into the Christmas spirit. Just when I had the work thing licked (for now), ready to get into the birthday party preparations and holidays festivities, this Cough that began as a little tickle, can now be heard around the world ...(yes, you thought that was the annoying choking motor in your neighbour's driveway, but it was really me). Well, at least according to the husband. He thinks I should take up smoking to be worthy of my cough.

2. Said husband has been sleeping in the guest room since the illness hit. Just so that he can actually get some sleep without being rudely awakened by Mt. Vesuvius erupting every 30 minutes. He moved back in for Christmas eve when the relatives needed the bed. But quickly vacated it again last night. Who could blame him, I honestly wouldn't want to wake up as a human cast of volcanic ash. I miss him though.

3. I've been so reticent with the Christmas hugs and snuggles with the kiddies and my nieces. Especially the babies (oh, I'm sooooo upset about that!) They are just the most adorable little things, just about 6 months old now. Chortling, giggling, limbs jerking wildly about as they amaze themselves with their newfound talents. I'm likely way past contagious, but I sound so horrible whenever I cough, I daren't go too close to them, just in case.

4. Bodyjam withdrawal. I am missing the gym, and my favourite hip-hop class more than I ever thought I would. It's been about two weeks! I am also dreading getting back into the gym, because I already see the expanding muffin top that I was working so hard at keeping at bay.

5. The general lack of energy during a time when we should be planning fun daytrips, and exciting family time together. At least Ian is out skiing today.

But there's a shiny side:

1. I could go out with a girlfriend who's also got a lingering cough, so we were both merrily hacking away in this little sushi restaurant. Great company, great laughs, great food... and great cough-raderie. Not so great for the rest of the clientele, I suppose.

2. I was not the head chef this year at our Christmas Eve dinner. Ian took the reins and decided, because a few of the family are vegetarian and don't eat turkey anyway, to make a turkey roll a la Ricardo instead of a full bird. It was simply delish, stuffed with pork,pear and cranberry. And he rounded out the meal with a lovely pinnacota (an Italian dessert of milk, whipping cream and gelatin) with a blueberry fruit topping.

My sisters-in-law brought all their mouthwatering Christmas baking, which actually left little room for the dessert.

I was happy to make the mash and broccoli. That much I could handle.

3. Downtime actually gives you the time to reflect. And spend quiet moments with my kids and hubby. Because although I've been choking up my lungs, at least I'm in the same room as them, and I can watch from a safe distance as they snuggle with their Daddy.

4. If you're going to be not feeling well, at least it's a happy time of year around you. My relatives were all great and happy to see us. I had warned everyone ahead of time of my lingering cough, so no one seemed overly concerned.

I even had the energy to try this great new recipe that's on Jaden's website. The Crab and Fuji apple salad went over very well last night, and blended right in with my Mom's melange of a menu that started with my salad and followed with smoked salmon, yams, ham and roast beef. With Kit Kat, Smarties Ice Cream or Strawberry Sherbert for dessert.

5. I lack the energy to Boxing Day shop; well, at least on Boxing day itself. So it's a little easier on the pocketbook, gives it a day's grace anyway.

I remember as a kid, getting up bright and early on Boxing Day and jumping in the car with my family to head out to Scarborough Town Centre. We would get into the mall, and stand outside the large glass sliding doors that opened to the Bay; then make a mad dash to the Christmas cards and wrapping sections to help my mom grab the best offerings before anyone else would get there.

And a few years later as a teenager, taking the TTC down to Yonge Street to line up for Sam the Record Man's annual Boxing Day extravaganza. I think my best score ever was when I paid $3.99 for Bryan Adams "Cuts like a Knife" LP.

The vitality of youth. Actually, illness or no, I wouldn't even contemplate actually heading out today. With the sales that will likely linger until the New Year, I think I can afford another day of rest before tackling the mall.

All crankiness aside, overall it has been a great couple of days with the families. So I'll leave with some photos of the festivities...

Birthday Celebrations

Us

Cousins!

Dora gets ready for the party

Christmas Chez Nous

Birthday cousins

Bakugan - SCORE!!!

I am a Unicorn staring at the most hermetically sealed toy packaging in the universe.

Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa's

L, Grandpa and Baby R


G and Baby J