The day is nearly a over, and what a day it has been. My alarm went off at 6:00 a.m., reminding me that stockings still needed to be hung with care over the fireplace. Grabbing all four, I headed downstairs and carefully stepped over my four offspring sleeping (closer to truth: faking sleep) in front of the Christmas tree. I learned with the first stocking that the mantel hangers were not heavy enough to suspend a stocking without falling to the hearth. Not wanting to be caught, I propped the overstuffed stockings on a padded chair by the tree and headed back upstairs for another half hour of needed sleep. Already, the sounds of happy discovery were floating up the stairs. After stockings, each opened one present: books to read in the afternoon.
We made ready and left for early church. As we neared our destination, we recognized a familiar blue, 15-passenger van parked on the edge of the road with steam billowing out from under its hood. Another friend had pulled in behind to offer help. We offered transportation and learned that ten people can fit in a Honda Odyssey, if only for a short distance.
Church was uneventful, which was good because Ashley was the pianist. As scheduled, I attempted to teach the early-teen class, and succeeded for most of the hour. With about 15 minutes to go, it was clear I had lost their interest, so we ended by singing Christmas carols. Maybe not the best way to end when the topic is proper stewardship of time, but then again, maybe it was…
Our supply of Russian tea cakes, fudge, and rice crispy treats is dwindling. The puzzle started last night is completed, along with another started and finished this afternoon. We watched the old, black-and-white version of Miracle of 34th Street, judging it to be better than the more recent, colorful version.
Suzi had to work evening shift so we went in to have supper with her. Nothing looked particularly good (plus, as we had been eating Russian tea cakes, fudge, and rice crispy treats all afternoon, we weren’t that hungry), so we had pumpkin pie with whipped cream and called it good.
Christmas will take three days this year, with the few presents Christmas eve, the stockings and present on Christmas day, and the rest to be opened tomorrow when Suzi will be home.
Christmas is a good time of year. Even with the commercialization, we can remember Jesus’ birth as the true reason to celebrate. Our gifts to each other are symbols of the gift Jesus gave to us. I hope the true Spirit of Christmas is in your heart.
Merry Christmas!