Christmas Revisted

I am typing this post on my brand new Christmas present from Trevor. I have to give him kudos this year, because we are notorious for not saving our gifts for Christmas morning. As soon as they come in the mail or make it into the house, we open them. Clearly we don't stand on ceremony when it comes to exchanging gifts with one another. Half the time we just decide on a price limit and then purchase our own gifts.

So needless to say, Christmas is not usually a surprise for either of us and we are perfectly happy with our system. We get our thrills from watching the kids open their gifts. So imagine my surprise when all of the Christmas paper was strewn about the living room floor and things were settling down, and Trevor put a gift in my lap. I ripped it open and discovered computer software. Trevor said in a disappointed voice, "What is that???" (We had most of our gifts shipped to my mom to avoid having to pack them for the trip down, and she wrapped them for us) It was software for a Mac, and we have PCs. He said, "This was supposed to be photo editing software for you! I guess they sent the wrong thing."

I immediately started thinking about how we could send it back to Amazon for an exchange, when he put another box in my lap and said, "I'll guess we'll just have to load it on this!"

That's right...my sweet husband bought me a MacBook Pro! Ever since I got my iPhone, I've been convinced of Apple's complete and total superiority and have wanted to get a Mac. They were pretty much out of our price range, so I would just gaze wistfully at them when we went to Best Buy and satisfy myself with that. I guess Trevor saw how much I wanted one, and made it happen for me. As Trevor predicted, I ignored the family for the rest of the day as I played on my new computer!

Although it's been a little difficult to navigate after using a PC for 20 years I am catching on and finally learning how to use it more effectively. Bar none the best Christmas present I've ever received from Trevor. I guess I have some big shoes to fill next Christmas!

This is the Part Where I Breath a Big Sigh of Relief

Whew! It's finally done. All of the Christmas decorations are down, as in dusted, wrapped, packed and put away until November 28, 2008. My house looks strangely empty, like I don't have enough furniture or something.

One of my favorite days of the year is putting the decorations up, but equally as enjoyable is taking them down. The decorations look great because they are supposed to make the house look and feel all Christmasy and cosy, but I generally like the "less is more" approach. And seriously, is it possible to live by that creed when it comes to Christmas decorations?

I think not.

So when the day comes that I am able to get my house back in order after the madness that is Christmas, I am overjoyed. The clean lines of my home become visible again when I remove the garland and lights. I replace pictures of the kids with Santa with my old, familiar pictures of family and friends. It's like rediscovering my life once a year.

I was out on the deck taking down the lights on the railing, and Gracie asked me what I was doing. I told her that Christmas was over and that it was past time to take down the lights.

Gracie: But I like the lights!

Me: I do too, but we can't leave them up. It would be tacky.

Gracie: But I like tacky.

My poor baby. She's going to grow up to be one of those people who leave their lights on the house until July. The wooden snowmen in the yard will fall over around February and leave large brown patches on the lawn. The chickens in the front yard will choke on the tinsel that has fallen out of the tree, or possibly get electrocuted by the frayed extension cord hanging from its branches.

I'll be right back...I need a paper bag.

The Aftermath

It's quiet. The last of the Christmas house guests left moments ago, and the house is still and serene. Well, except for the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix blaring through the surround sound in the living room.

But that sort of noise is normal in our house. The sound generated by eight adults and 3 small children is not, and although I was overjoyed to have the family here for Christmas and beyond, I am a little excited to have my house back in order. We have the weekend to get the kids back on schedule before work and school starts again.

My mom and dad arrived the Saturday evening before Christmas, and then my sister and her husband arrived Sunday night. My brother, his wife and my nephew flew in Monday morning from Virginia, and our numbers were complete. We attended the candlelight service at church Christmas Eve and we had the privilege to sing several carols as a family for the congregation.

When I was growing up, carolling was something we did as a family every year. My mom would spend weeks baking and making candy for the bags we would carry with us to each house and deliver after we sang a carol and then a chorus of We Wish You a Merry Christmas. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, our friends would eagerly inquire as to whether or not we would be carolling that year. I'm not entirely sure if they were looking forward to the four part harmony, or the tasty treats my mom prepared!

After the service, we reminisced with many of those families about the years of carolling and it was good to do it one more time. We are so seldom able to all be together at Christmas as we get older and it was especially sweet this year with the three cousins old enough to play together.

Christmas morning was wonderful with all of the kids excited about opening gifts and running around like little monkeys all morning. We had a very simple lunch of ham, chicken and cornbread dressing and broccoli and cauliflower with a cheese sauce. Easy to prepare and easy to clean up! Amber and David left right after lunch, because they both had to work the next day and had to get back to Louisiana, but Mama and Daddy stayed through Thursday. Patrick, Ronna and Benjamin were the last to leave today and it was a bittersweet day. I was looking forward to having the peace, quiet and order back, but at the same time dreading the time when they would leave us.

All in all a wonderful Christmas and one that we will remember for many years to come. There is nothing like being surrounded by family, especially when we are all believers and understand the miracle and necessity of the manger, as well as the cross. I praise and thank God for my family and for the love and support that they give me. My life is much sweeter with them in it.

The Glorious Impossible

See the Virgin is delivered

In a cold and crowded stall;

Mirror of the Father's glory

Lies beside her in the straw.

He is Mercy's incarnation

Marvel at this miracle!

For the Virgin gently holds

the Glorious Impossible.

Love has come to walk on water,

Turn the water into wine,

Touch the leper, bless the children

Love both human and divine.

Praise the wisdom of the Father

Who has spoken through his Son.

Speaking still, He calls us to

the Glorious Impossible.

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

Glorious Impossible

He was bruised for our transgressions

And he bears eternal scars.

He was raised for our salvation

And his righteousness is ours.

Praise, oh, praise him, praise the glory

Of this lavished grace so full.

Lift your souls now and receive

the Glorious Impossible!

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

Glorious Impossible

Praise, oh, praise him, praise the glory

Of this lavish grace so full.

Lift your souls now and receive

the Glorious Impossible.

I thank the Lord for things that are beyond my comprehension, including (but not limited to) the Virgin birth, the sacrifice of His Son to cover sin for all time, and the fact that He chose me to be a recipient of His grace. The manger means nothing without the cross, and I thank God for both of them today.

Tiny Talk--Christmas Edition

These are the answers given by Nathan, age 6:

1. Why do we celebrate Christmas? For God’s birthday.
2. What would you like for Christmas? Light saver (That would be a light saber, and he has a really cool one under the tree as we speak!)
3. What is your favorite Christmas decoration in our house? The breakable ones. (Heaven help me!)
4. Why do we give presents? To be thankful.
5. What should daddy buy mommy? New pencils. (I should probably add that he was holding a brand, spanking new pencil in his hand when he offered that one up. Can you say "one track mind"?)
6. What should mommy buy daddy? Cool glasses.
7. Why was there no room at the inn? Because it was already full of people. (I wish a had a picture of the "duh" look on his face)
8. What gifts did the wise men bring? A cup and something. (We will be reviewing the Christmas story in great detail over the next few days)
9. How does Santa find our house? A map
10. Do you think you've been good so Santa will bring you a present? Yes. (Somehow I am not surprised by this answer!)
11. How does Santa make it to all of the houses? 'Cause he’s so fast.
12. How did Santa get so fat? It’s either his clothes or he eats alot. (I know from personal experience that it's just my clothes.)
13. What are Santa's favorite cookies? Chocolate chip. (That's my boy!)

These are the answers given by Grace, age 3:

1. Why do we celebrate Christmas? Because we get presents. (Again...a lonngggg talk about the meaning of Christmas is in order.)
2. What is your favorite food/treat to eat at Christmas time? Goldfish. (Hmmm...not my first choice)
3. What would you like for Christmas? Um um um...a jumping choo choo train. (I fear that she will be disappointed Christmas morning, because we have no idea what this is!)
4. What is your favorite Christmas decoration in our house? A Christmas tree light on.
5. What songs do you like to sing at Christmas time? Jingle Bells.
6. How does Santa find our house? In his a red car.
7. What are Santa's favorite cookies? Pretty cookies.
8. What are those white things we like to toast over the fire? Smarshmallows!

We had fun trying to get these videos of them singing...apparently singing is "too hard" according to Gracie in the first snippet.......

For more Tiny Talk, go here.

Christmas Tour of Homes

Boomama is doing a tour of homes this Christmas, and I thought it would be fun to participate. I love the Willow Tree figurines, and last year got this Nativity set as a gift.

Here is the tree, a complete hodge-podge of Christmas ornaments from years past. When I left home, my mom gave me all of the ornaments that were mine to start my own tree. I started the tradition of giving my children an ornament every Christmas so that when they fly the nest, they will have a collection to take with them too.




I have double frames that hold Nathan and Grace's first picture with Santa as well as the one from the current year. It's fun to compare them each year....

I love my piano, and it makes a great place to display my Christmas snow globe collection. I can't wait for my family to get here so we can sing!

Last, but not least, here is my fireplace. My grandfather made the mantle, and the bricks were hauled here to the Lone Star State from Louisiana. They were from the home of my great-grandfather and when my parents remodeled the house when I was in 6th grade, we painstakingly chipped all of the old mortar off of them, and scrubbed them with a wire brush so that they could be made into a new fireplace. You can't see it in the picture, but my parents had the hearth built the exact height of a chair so it's very comfortable to sit on. (In case you are wondering why I live in the house where I grew up, Trevor and I bought it from my parents when they decided to move back home to Louisiana)

(Here's a picture from last year that shows the entire fireplace):

Merry Christmas!

The Twelve Days of Christmas

If you want a good laugh, click here to see a hilarious post on Leah's blog.

I've Been Faking It the Whole Time

I have a confession. You may find this to be a little shocking considering my love of all things Christmas. The lights, the songs, the food, the company. The whole enchilada, if you will.

So here it is. Deep breath.........

I no longer have to pretend like I know what White Christmas is about, nodding my head in apparent agreement when someone calls it a classic so people won't doubt my declaration that Christmas is my favorite holiday. Behaving as though, I too ,watch it faithfully every year.

I finally watched it for the very first time last night. I though of Karen the whole time, and must agree that it is a great holiday movie. It was quite enjoyable and I will be adding it to the long list of must-see movies next year. OK, maybe I'm not going that far, but at least I don't have to maintain the fake aura of authenticity when the subject comes up.

Pictures With Santa

We got up early. We drove 30 minutes to the nearest mall. We arrived way too early and had to burn some time driving around and running a few errands. We stood in line 30 minutes. We had several incidents requiring hand squeezing and stern reprimands during the 30 minute wait. Here are the results:







That's right. All of the preparation and planning were for naught. Gracie saw him coming and immediately started crying. She buried her head in my shoulder and refused to even look at him. All she would say is, "I don't like him!" Poor Santa. I hope his feelings weren't hurt.

Christmas in September

I am so excited! I talked to Ronna yesterday and they are planning to be here for Christmas this year! They will spend the week before Christmas with her mother and brother and then drive down to our house around the 22nd, and spend the following week with us. Whoo hoo!

I called Mama and Daddy, and Amber and David (my sister and her husband) to see if they could come over as well. Barring any natural disasters or serious scheduling issues, everyone will be here for Christmas!!!! This is wonderful news for several different reasons:

1. The house in which I am living is also the house in which I grew up. We bought it from Mama and Daddy when they decided to move back home to Louisiana. It will be fun to have the whole family back home in the old house for Christmas again. We are so geographically spread out these days, that getting all of us together at one time is quite a challenge.


2. I have a piano now! This means that we can sing around the piano to our heart's content and it will really "feel" like Christmas. Not to mention the fact that I will once again hear the sound of Mama's playing as I cook and work around the house.


3. All of the cousins will be together for Christmas morning. One of my best memories ever of Christmas as a child, was the one when we stayed with my aunt and uncle Christmas Eve and all six cousins slept in one bedroom. We could barely stand the excitement of waiting for Santa Claus, and we didn't sleep much that night. When I became an adult, I learned that my parents and my aunt and uncle had a great time that night as well staying up late to assemble toys and arrange them in the living room for a crew of six children! I want my children and my brother and sister's children to have the same kinds of memories to carry into adulthood with them.


4. My family keeps Christ in the center of the celebrations. One of my favorite traditions is the reading of the Christmas story from Luke on Christmas Eve. We have been doing this since before I was born, first at the annual family reunions at my paternal great-grandparents home when I was a small child, and then at our house as my parents established traditions of their own, and we stayed in Texas for Christmas. I remember it being sort of an honor to be asked to read the story at my great-grandparent's house. The atmosphere would change from loud and rambunctious to quiet and respectful as Papa's worn Bible was opened and read. The person reading was careful to speak loudly and clearly so that their voice could be heard throughout the house and out on the porch where people had spilled out for lack of seating. After the story was read, a prayer of thanksgiving was said over our family and then someone always sat down at the piano and played a carol to accompany the myriad of Christian voices praising God for the gift of His son. The song Silent Night echoes in my mind, but I'm sure that there were other songs sung from year to year. Only after we had focused on Christ and had a time of fellowship, did we begin opening gifts. Because of this ritual and tradition, no one ever had to tell me that presents were of minimal importance at Christmas. It was implied in the way that my family revered God and put Him first. I was never confused about Santa Claus or any of the other secular things about Christmas because I was taught at an early age what Christmas was really about.


5. I haven't spent Christmas Eve with my family since I've been married. Actually, that's not true. We spent Nathan's second Christmas in Louisiana, but I'm talking about just my mom, dad and siblings. Trevor's family opens gifts on Christmas Eve, so we always spend it with his family and then would spend Christmas Day with mine. I know that getting married involves sharing holidays and splitting time, but even after 10 years, I still can't get used to spending Christmas away from my family. It always feel a little empty and hollow when I am not able to participate in the traditions that I hold so dear.
6. I would be remiss if I did not mention all of the glorious food that I associate with Christmas. I come from a family of cooks and the food is always homemade and wonderful! Seriously...I could eat at Christmas and then have enough calories stored away to hibernate for a few months.

So, needless to say I am stoked about Christmas this year! As always, it will be here before we know it...I actually bought a few gifts while I was out shopping today.

I've shared a few things that I associate with Christmas....now it's your turn. What are some traditions that your family had growing up? Have you developed any of your own since leaving home?