A few weeks ago, we Mom2Mom bloggers contributed to an article about how to keep Christmas simpler and less stressful. Under my own stress at the time, I submitted mine late and didn't make the article. But that's OK, because my story deserves its own blog.

14 years ago today, our Christmas world was made simpler by the two and a half week early arrival of my son (at 8 pounds 10 ounces, the thought of what he would have been if on time is pretty horrifying! ... but that's my boy, always thinking of others). Some would think that having a child two days before Christmas would make it more chaotic, but not for us. I brought our boy (who shall remain nameless at his request just in case I say something embarrassing) home on Christmas Eve day. As he was the second child, there was no nurturing of the new Mom. My husband and his best friend planted themselves on the sofa to watch football and immediately asked what was for dinner. Already immersed in the simplicity that would become our future Christmas celebrations, I responded, "Are you blanking kidding me?"

When the football was over (is it ever REALLY over?), our newly expanded family brought in Chinese food, snuggled on the couch and watched It's a Wonderful Life. My daughter toasted "kids' wine" (AKA sparkling grape juice) while we toasted with Bailey's on the rocks (my doctor assured me that only a small percentage of alcohol gets into breast milk, so I allowed myself the indulgence). The next day, normally a flurry of activity, preparing food, driving to Miami, etc., my boy and I stayed home and enjoyed the quiet and the lights. You might say we bonded. He established his preference for the carrier car seat as a place to sleep. We chose The Food Network as our TV viewing of choice ... a choice that would continue for months, in the wee hours of the morning, the darkness of night and those colicky evenings.

I began to think of my son as the best Christmas present ever. Two days before every Christmas, I'm reminded what is really important. Haven't finished my Christmas shopping? That's OK ... I have a Christmas toddler. No wrapping done and no wrapping paper in sight? Who cares ... I already have MY Christmas preteen. And it's the gift that keeps on giving every year. He never complains about the overwhelming Christmas decorations, the obsession with Christmas carols, Christmas specials on TV and the focus on December 25.

It never seems like we have to do anything to emphasize his birthday over Christmas. For several years, we celebrated Christmas and his birthday together with my family. Instead of feeling slighted, he thought it was cool that in addition to Christmas it was his birthday too. Christmas dinner of Mema's lasagna PLUS a birthday cake! And let's face it ... more presents for my son than for anyone else! And there was never any confusion on his part. Weeks later he could tell you, "No, that was for my BIRTHDAY, not for Christmas!" His friends clearly picked up on the differentiation of Christmas and his birthday. They have always made it special ... maybe even more special than most birthdays because of the juxtaposition of Christmas.

Here we are, 14 years later, with special plans with his friends, family and practically family. And on Christmas Eve, as the tradition began 14 years ago, the four of us will bring in Chinese food, toast with sparkling grape juice and Bailey's on the rocks while we watch the most beautiful, simple Christmas story, It's a Wonderful Life. And you know what? It really is.

Diane appears Wednesdays on TriangleMom2Mom. Read more about Diane on her blog Live and Let Di.