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Thanks to the Internet, I was able to surf through every country and city around the world to catch the latest buzz on what is happening “on or about Christmas”. I did discover a lot of exciting outdoor things to do such as skating, sledding, skiing, snowboarding and building a snowman … oh yeah! We are in Florida … no can do.

The other problem I discovered with my research was that everything was about “what to do” before and after the actual day. With the exception of restaurants with reluctant employees — whom would rather be home with their families — nothing is open! Wait! “Employees that would rather be home with their families ... ” That’s the key! Things to do at home with the family.

In my case, let’s assume my children attended mass on Christmas Eve with their father (that’s usually his job) so church is not included on my Christmas Day agenda. If I do go to church though, the first thing I would do is let the girls sleep in late which, in my mind, would be until around 8 a.m. — high school teens get up normally at 5 a.m. so trust me, this is truly sleeping in.

After a cup of coffee, I would take a walk or run (depending on the girls) at the beach. Why? What better way to appreciate that you live in Florida than to visit your beach on Christmas Day and feel the warmth of the sun on your face? I smile every time I wake up on this holiday and imagine how cold it is in New Jersey. I spread sunscreen across my face while, on the other hand, my family is wrapping a scarf around their face. I wear a baseball cap to keep my body from getting overheated while they are wearing a cap to keep the heat from escaping the top of their heads. It’s definitely one of those my-life-is-good moments ... just thinking about the differences.

Next on the agenda would be breakfast: a nice relaxing continental type breakfast with no cooking required — we will save that for later.

While we are chilling with our breakfast, what about popping in “It’s a Wonderful Life?” Without a doubt one of the best Christmas classic movies ever made. The message is clear and despite the era in which it was made, the film is timeless (I have a feeling I might have to go to Target or Wal-Mart to purchase that movie just to ensure I have it on hand for the day now that I leaked this out).

What about the presents, you ask? That’s way after the movie! I want to downplay the gift thing this year. This is one year the three of us need to reflect on how much we have overcome and how well we have adjusted. As a matter of fact, Christmas is a good time of the year to take pride in your families’ accomplishments. Before the year turns over, take a look back. Remember, an accomplishment doesn’t mean breaking a record or winning an award. An accomplishment is anything you learned or anything you did just a little bit better. Keep it that simple; just remember to appreciate one another.

After gifts, it will be Christmas cookie time. This is something my oldest daughter wanted to do. I’m thinking of our traditional Italian biscuits or butter cookies. Some cookies will be packed to take over to wherever my aunt and uncle are — I’m hoping to spend some time with them. The rest will be eaten during the course of vacation. Those will not go to waste!

Afterwards I will pull out some cards or play a favorite board game (something that won’t take over an hour, so the Monopoly board stays in the closet.)

The Christmas music goes on and the three of us will begin dinner. They have never cooked a Christmas meal before and what a great time to start! Needless to say, most of the preparation will be done by me the night before to keep things simple.

So far so good, the day has followed the theme of relaxation and believe it or not, that’s very different from what we have done in the past. The past has been rushing the holiday in order to make sure you checked in with friends and relatives.

After dinner, I reiterate I hope to check in with my aunt and uncle for some coffee. Again let me stress, at a nice relaxing pace. It’s a great time to take in all the holiday lights; no rushing, no speeding, no breaking the speed of light to get where we need to go. Enjoy all the colors and wonderment of the holiday.

When we return home I’m planning on a cider toast in front of the Christmas tree and some good girl gossip. Yep, that will be my Christmas. It will be a page right out of Currier and Ives. It will end with the classic wish of “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!”

Gina Sisbarro-Blassneck resides on Marco Island and is the Senior Program Director at the Marco Island YMCA. Her passion is anything to do with kids; especially the teens. She enjoys directing theater and writing. She looks forward to publishing her first adult novel hopefully in print by the holidays. She has two teenagers Wesley and Brianna “Booey” which gives her the greatest joy in life!