Christmas Joy

I trust that each of you enjoyed a special Christmas.  I had a delightful time with Justin, Laura and Ella.  It brought back fond memories of the days when we had young girls in our home that were all excited about Christmas and what was hidden beneath the colorful wrappings.

Our celebration began after dinner with two trips through a beautifully decorated park with thousands of brightly lighted trees and figures prior to attending their Christmas Eve service.  The first gifts that Justin and I opened were lovely robes that Laura instructed us were to be put on for a relaxing Christmas Eve with a variety of gifts to be opened.  There is nothing that adds to the celebration like an excited 2-year old!  On Christmas morning we found stockings for each of us filled with goodies hanging on the fireplace that we had to inspect before sitting down to a delicious breakfast/brunch.  There were more gifts to be opened and a huge Christmas dinner that kept us busy the rest of the day.   It was very special for me to have the opportunity to join in their celebration!

With the many decorations and beautiful tree in their home, there was no doubt that it was Christmas, but our memories of softly falling snow were replaced by considerable rain that continued throughout the night and as I traveled back to Charlotte.  I suspect that I do not miss the snow as much as the younger family members but an advantage is that rain does not have to shoveled!

Presently Karin, Keith, Gavin and Calli are driving home from a ski trip in the Dakotas which they enjoyed with Keith’s family and tomorrow they will be flying here to spend a few days with me.  A couple days after they head home, daughter Sue will be arriving here.  It is fun having an extended Christmas this year.

May each of you have a delightful end of 2012 and a Blessed New Year!

Chuck