I’m writing this on Monday, the first day I’ve had a moment’s peace in the past two weeks. Husband’s back at work and kids are at school, and my half-time job allows me a Monday alone before diving back into reality.

Our Christmas break is usually spent in Florida – a tradition we’ve kept just about every year for the past six years or so. Typically we fly out on Christmas day, and spend 7-10 days doing absolutely nothing on a 75-degree balcony, watching the kids dig holes in the sand.

But this year we went to Florida over Thanksgiving instead, opening up an opportunity to try some new traditions, while enjoying added time to continue with the old ones.

On the weekend before Christmas, we visited my sister’s house for the annual holiday feast and catch-up with family from near and far. Then the next day, after some holiday baking (translation: dipping pretzels in chocolate) we enjoyed a relaxed gathering for my husband’s family, thankfully NOT on Christmas Eve this year, which made for an easy and non-hectic day.

On Christmas Eve, we made our first holiday meal as a family unit, complete with a sevenhourstocook 21-pound turkey (thanks to Mr. Overkill), homemade cranberry salad (by Darla) and pecan pie (by Craig.) We loved putting together this holiday meal and will definitely continue to do so!

Wayne’s parents came up to see us at the cabin on Christmas Day, and we enjoyed feast leftovers (remember the 21-pound turkey?) and played “500″ where I’m proud to announce that the girls squarely beat the boys;)

A couple days after Christmas we visited my mom, relaxed by her pretty tree and opened gifts. The highlight this year was handmade “Darla and Craig” dolls (mascots?) She reads this blog and thinks it’s funny I’ve chosen pseudonyms for my kids. Both Darla and Craig loved her creations and have proudly displayed them in our living room.

We also managed to host two birthday parties, effectively crossing that considerable chore off our list. Craig’s party was first, and all the boys enjoyed their trip to Action City (indoor arcade and amusement park) despite the blizzard road conditions on the way home.

Darla invited her party-goers to a New Year’s Eve birthday bash at the cabin, which was loads of fun and a tradition I’m sure she’d like to continue.

And we logged a combined total of two-million hours on the kids’ new Wii — the only significant gift we gave them for Christmas.

As you can see, they weren’t excited about it at all.

Though not “traditions,” we also refinanced the house, bought a car, did urinalysis on the dog, prepared corporate tax paperwork for our accountant and helped my brother-in-law paint his new house.

The only thing we didn’t manage to accomplish during the holiday break, was downhill skiing, unless you count my husband’s kamikaze trip down the hill to the lake. The weather wasn’t cooperating – either too warm, with rain and crusty slopes, or too cold with below-zero windchills. I’m sure we’ll find another winter weekend to hit the slopes.

Despite the very busy schedule and multiple round trips to what seemed like, everywhere, it was a relaxing break that left us ready to get back to life. What we’ll do next year is anybody’s guess, but I’m happy with the new traditions we tried out.

What new traditions have you “tried on for size?”