I feel I should explain why I'm publishing two seperate posts within an hour of each other. These following paragraphs were originally going to be attached to the bottom of the previous post, but I decided that that would make the post too long. Also, I figured the moods of the posts were different enough that they warranted separate postings (goodness, how many times can I use variants of the word "post" in a paragraph?). Either way, I figured I should publish something concerning the events of my Christmas day, so here we go.
I've often heard that "Christmas in the northwest is a gift God wrapped in green." Well, this year He decided to go a little more monochromatic (maybe He was trying to save on wrapping paper, but I don't know). As a result, I officially experienced my first (to my recollection anyways) white Christmas...ever. It only took about nineteen years and probably would have been more awe-inspiring about a decade ago when I wasn't as concerned with the condition of the roads, but I thoroughly enjoyed it none the less.
Christmas Eve night, the four of us (Mom, Dad, Jadon, and myself) did the traditional Christmas Eve program despite our smaller-than-average numbers (with all the siblings, spouses, and grandchildren, we usually have a group of around 22 people, so four is a ridiculously small number in comparison). We told the story of the nativity, sang Christmas hymns, and even did a little pajama hunt. Afterwards, at my dad's request, we watched Mr. Kruger's Christmas starring James Stewart. Despite its great message and happy ending, that movie always makes me sad (why won't anyone wish him a "Merry Christmas" back and why won't the carolers stay and drink hot chocolate with him?!?). Anyways, Jenni, Dane, Nyah, and Aislynne arrived shortly afterwards and spent the night so they were here to celebrate Christmas morning with us. After the traditional Christmas breakfast and opening of presents, we had a great day lounging around the house in our Christmas pajamas. In the afternoon, Dane and I played Guitar Hero (a Christmas gift from my parents to “the family”) and then we all watched Fred Claus (one of my Christmas gifts and an awesome movie by the way. I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen it). Throughout the course of the day, I also got to speak to Jeremy, TJ, Katie, Jon, Tara, Adalyn, Kelli, and Kassie, so that just made an already great Christmas even better. It was so nice to be home and to get to spend the holiday with family.
I'm so glad you were here to celebrate with us. It would have been really quiet with just Dad, Jadon and me.
ReplyDeleteWell now I'm feeling quite self-conscious about my last four posts on our vacation - they are SO LONG and include a million pictures. I guess they are mostly for me anyway, but I'm just now reconvinced of my long-windedness!
ReplyDeleteI loved Fred Claus - saw it for the first time the other day - so I echo your recommendation. And thank you for your thoughts on the origin of "Christmas". I know it does sometimes sound cliche', but it really is good to remember the purpose for our celebration. We love to remind our kids that only Jesus would GIVE other people gifts on HIS birthday.
And, yet again, I have proven my ability to ramble on and on! =/