So much hype goes into Christmas. Making time to decorate, pump up Santa to kids by saying “Santa will not be here if you do not behave yourself!” No parent would use that line, right? The anticipation of giving and receiving gifts. Did I get the right one or what regift will I get this year? Then there is the hours spent baking or cooking when it takes less than a half hour for it all to disappear. Of course, everyone loves the “it’s time to clean up,” or “who wants to take this turkey leg home?”

Wow, so busy, but as I think about yesterday I am so thankful for it all. It was worth watching the babies play with the “makes lots of noise and lights up” toys. The smile on my sister-in-law’s face as she held up her new bracelets let us know we picked just the right gift. We drew names, which allowed for more conservative spending, but more worthwhile gifts. Our son had a wish list and people just picked off the list, so we ended up buying 2-3 games instead of his whole list. Dylan and Robert’s daughter, Amber, had a blast playing since she has a WII too and her list had WII resort. Lot’s of fun family time. WII ping pong is much harder than it looks.

That is what it was for us this season. Our ribs hurt from laughing as my brother told stories in his unique comedic way. We hugged and told each other how much we love each other. We cooked together, we ate together, and we cleaned up together. Even though Dad was not there physically, he was there in that he left his legacy in each of us. Each of us carries a part of him with us. It wouldn’t be a family get-together without family karaoke. There is nothing like my mom singing “Achy Breaky Heart” to warm the heart.

We will be learning how to make cookies today with Robert’s daughter, so that should be fun. As she listed off the ingredients, I had to laugh since obviously we don’t bake. I am pretty sure we will need all the ingredients and a baking dish. There is no “bah humbug” here, we will make a trip to the store and bring deliciously made cookies to Robert’s side of the family later today.

The spirit of Christmas is different this year. Time spent is so fleeting. We were reminded that Jesus is the reason for the season which brings us back to just loving the time we have together as a family.

We hope that your Christmas was as special as ours. Oh,wait, now what New Year’s Resolution will I make? Oh, the pressure! LOL

DDF