Christmas Festivities

Christmas came and went this year, as it usually does.  As much as I felt it creep up on us, I feel like I savored so many quality moments.  Shopping was scaled back, less expectations of myself meant rejoicing when we accomplished a full day of baking and packaging for neighbors.  It's almost as if we accomplished more when I expected less.  We started gift giving a little early, when Janessa's Nina headed back to Spain for the holidays.

 It was nice to have her local, but we just want her to follow her dreams and be where it feels right for her.  So there were no tears this time when we said good-bye.  We know she will be back so we just keep her safety in our prayers.

And her relationships.  Prayer is all we have to offer when we're on opposite sides of the globe.  But all is well.  It shall remain so.
On another note, Dad took his daughters on an afternoon date to The Nutcracker even after working all through the night.  He is my hero...and such a good daddy!

Christmas Eve was just us this year.  Ernie's family traditions have changed, and now that both of his parents are in homes, it gets a little tricky.  We were able to pick up Pa, attend church together, eat a most delicious prime rib, followed up with R & B Christmas music and puzzle building.

The only evidence I have that we were all together, even if it was only for a little bit.

We read the Night Before Christmas as is our usual tradition and kids fell right to sleep before 10:30 pm.  It was so strangely quiet.  Ernie and I sat in the living room, illuminated by soft white twinkle lights and flickering candles soaking in the simplicity of the holiday.  It was so nice, we reflected on Little stopping by after pulling a 24 hour shift.  It was odd for him not to be here, but he is forging his own traditions with his fiance.  Praying they always keep family first. . .We also got a visit from my brother.  Seeing my niece and holding her in my arms, even for just a few minutes made the night complete.  Everything was oddly peaceful in the most beautiful way.

Christmas morning, kids slept in until about seven and then we were unwrapping their three gifts.  The older they get, the more I absolutely love this tradition of gift giving.  This year we picked "Advent Angels" and the kids had to hand make a thoughtful gift to the sibling/cub (cousin-uncle-brother) they chose.  Watching them watch each other's face as their gifts were unwrapped blessed my mama heart!

Eventually, the mess that remained was beautiful.

Grandparents stopped by for a bowl of menudo.  Uncle Scotty dropped by to drop off gifts too. And then we headed outside to wait for Santa and play with some of our gifts.  I never tire of this tradition.

 Eventually, my brother and his family showed up with exciting news.  And the festivities would continue at grandma and grandpa's house. . .