Merry Christmas 2020

Apparently some of our children were under the impression that, although we went to bed well after midnight, we were getting up at 6 a.m. to open gifts. Thus we had a tired and kind of annoyed Brennen when we woke up closer to 9 :) The kids began with their stockings and then opened gifts to each other--they did a great job selecting gifts! Lots of laughing and happy surprises. We soon discovered we'd let the cinnamon rolls over-rise, but they tasted just as good, hot from the oven.

Next we opened a round of golden gifts from Grandma J and Mr. R . . . I'd say the Packers gear, curling iron with multiple curl attachments, headbands, video game, LEGOs, clothes, shoes, etc. etc. were a hit! After that came a round of flowered gifts from CO, tea-infuser/water bottle, light up tracing board and charcoal pencils, more LEGOs, and a starter-level GoPro. Buck had a coffee-themed Christmas, a storage tray, Arbuckles coffee bundle (including t-shirt), a new French press, and a pretty new pipe and pouch.

There are so many things when all the Christmasses are celebrated in one! Buck treasures this time at home with family. You can see other gifts as you scroll through the photos, including a picture Gabby painted into a portrait of Buck and me, and an ankle bracelet my friend made for her. Caelan dove right into her fresh stack of piano music, and even recreated a bit of her recital piece so her great aunt (who doesn't have working sound on her computer) could hear her play over the phone.

While Buck and the kids worked on a new video game he discovered and watched football, I worked on getting the side dishes ready for Christmas dinner. Buck put a ham in and later asparagus, Caelan made sweet potatoes and Artisan bread, and I attempted banana pudding. We knew Christmas was tight for a friend from small group, so when I asked if we could bolster her meal a bit she started listing off things they normally include. One thing was banana pudding--Buck went nuts, apparently, he loves this stuff. It's a good thing to find out after nearly 20 years of marriage--the other person's top-of-the-list dessert. Well, thanks to S, who gave me a tutorial in her kitchen, I made banana pudding for Christmas dinner. The kids said I've made this before, maybe a decade ago? I believe them, but I don't remember clearly this event :) Anyway, it was fun to think we were sharing Christmas dinner with a friend by eating some of the same things, my recipes and hers, on Christmas day with our families--albeit in two different locations.

We had to double plate our meal, because there were so many options. Thus we moved Caelan's birthday roses to make space for the extra plates. It's not a terrible problem to have :)

When the LEGOS were built, the hair was curled, the massive pieces of apple pie were eaten, and I even got to read a bit of a book, we settled in and were thankful again for Christmas. There were good reminders this year that Jesus is not only the reason for this season, but for everything we do. He's the reason we miss the ones we've lost with most of our hearts, but not all of them. We have the hope of reunion in eternity, because Jesus gave up His space in perfection, to be born as a baby in less than ideal conditions. He would never reach His 40th birthday, because He wanted us to know we could be with Him for eternity, back in perfection where He belongs, and He wants us to join Him. That's the best Christmas gift of all!