We all broke up today for Christmas. The kids finished school this afternoon, while Heather and I both clocked off work for the next two weeks. To say I’m excited is putting it mildly.

And I’m done. Two weeks off, here I come! 🙂

— Slouching Thatcham (@thatchamdad) December 19, 2014

If I’m being honest, I’ve been running on close to empty for a while, so the prospect of a two-week break from the constant barrage of meetings, emails and phone calls is an enticing one. Having said that, I’ve been struggling to articulate why I’m looking forward to the next fortnight so much.

Until I got home this evening, that is.

Within half an hour, I knew exactly why I’m looking forward to Christmas – despite all the expense and stress it entails – so much.

It’s all about the kids. Since the start of the month – and even before that, really – they’ve been getting increasingly excited by the forthcoming festivities. The boys know what to expect, and at 2½ Kara is now old enough to appreciate Christmas.

We’re just in that sweet spot – that narrow window where all three kids are old enough to enjoy Christmas but young enough to still believe in Santa Claus and embrace it with wide-eyed innocence and enthusiasm. This may be the only year that happens, and I intend to make the most of it.

Anyhow, this evening I’ve been treated to our kids entering into the Christmas spirit. Kara has been enjoying a Christmas boogie to Slade.

Isaac sang along to Christmas carols, which he was playing on YouTube on his Hudl.

And Toby busily created, er, a car picture to give to me.

Well, two out of three’s not bad, is it?

I’ve got two weeks of this to look forward to. It’s going to be great.