I know we are all inhabiting that odd space between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day when the house is a little messier than usual, we’re a little more exhausted than usual, and we don’t have a clue as to what day of the week it is.
If you’re not there, I sure am. But amidst the celebratory chaos, it was wonderful to have the privilege of celebrating one more Christmas season–complete with potpourri on the stove for a lovely sight and smell.
We had twelve at our Christmas table.
The menu was simple: lasagna, rosemary focaccia bread, and salad. (And sliced apples for the kiddos.)
It was such a joy to welcome Frank and Sheri, Meagan’s parents, to our table. And it was an even greater joy to be able to spend time together with our shared grandchildren.
Of course, there were gifts for the kids . . .
as well as a treasure hunt for each kid’s big gift. Steve asked Gage to put that together, and he, the master of all things game-related, did a fabulous job, creating and explaining the clues and helping the kids if they got stuck. Steve’s parents did treasure hunts for him and his brothers and we did it for Sarah and Nathan, so the tradition continues.
Belle found a new friend in Frank. It’s unusual for her to stay with someone she doesn’t know well, but she got in his lap and didn’t budge.
Of course, there was also music. (By the way, the guys are wearing shorts because it was 79 degrees out–a record-breaking temperature for Christmas.)
Nathan enjoyed showing off his new Christmas gift, a cajón. It is an amazing percussion instrument that makes all sorts of cool sounds, as illustrated in the two videos below featuring Noah and Gage. (And also featuring Madi’s beautiful voice on Joy to the World.)
Noni and Madi had a lot of fun while they were singing.
At one point during the music, Belle had to go outside; as I waited out there with her, I looked through the windows.
I could see dimly, and I could hear faintly . . .
but I could feel deeply how grateful I was to belong inside that house, beyond those doors, knowing that was my home and those were my people.
Many blessings to you this week as you see, hear and feel the never ending joy He has brought to the world.
What about you?
What was your favorite gift to give or receive?
Were there any funny or memorable moments?
Was it a simple Christmas or a complicated one?
Will you go out for New Year’s Eve or stay home?
Was able to read Nathans shirt – even though backwards, but not complicated. Sounds like a good time was had by all! It has been a couple years, but our son and daughter-in-law came from Oregon for Christmas. So special!. Love the tradition that is continued on. Many, many years ago, when in choir a gentleman started a tradition of bringing jars of pickled herring (yah, sure, you betcha). to our choir practice during the Christmas season. They moved away and so my sister and I took it upon ourselves to continue that tradition. Unfortunately, as the years went by, no one else continued that tradition (must not have been Norsk)! Wow, 79 degrees – that is definitely a very warm Christmas. We were chilly and do have the snow. Husband and I just celebrated our 59th anniversary on the 30th. It did snow which brought back some wedding memories. Have a blessed and Happy New year!
Sharyn,
Pickled herring? Not sure I’d be willing to give that a taste or not, even thought I’m a quarter Norweigen. But what a fun tradition for your choir for so many years
Happy 59th anniversary! Next year is going to be a BIG one for you! Steve and I are celebrating 44 years today.
Your house always looks so inviting and beautiful. Love the ornaments on your tree. Love that you could all be together.
Also loved that you looked through the window at your family. Precious moments!
Our Christmas was more simple this year in the gift giving department. We didn’t buy for each other, except for Evan. We did white elephant gifts instead. It was a lot of fun. I guess the funny gift – which I happened to get – was the coal cologne. It smells pretty good, so I think Phil may use it. I will pass. 😂 We did the normal ham dinner, so I could make a big pot of split pea soup the next day. We also played games complete with prizes that were so fun!
On this NYE we are meeting all of our little family (7) at Texas Roadhouse for a meal out.
Happy New Year to you and all the family. Love you!
Carol,
I’ll have to say I’ve never heard of coal cologne. I think it’s funny that it actually smells good and Phil is going to wear it. Definitely a manly scent.
I don’t think I’ve ever made split pea soup; will have to give that a try.
I love that your family played games on Christmas. What a great tradition and great memories being made. Hugs to all!
We had a simple Christmas with immediate family…and as almost every year I can remember, I will spend NYE on my sofa with the remote! Wishing you all the best in 2026!!
Sue Ellen,
We were right there with you on NYE plans. We had a frozen pizza and watched a movie. I went to bed at 9:30 and Steve stayed up past midnight. I’m all for quiet events and simple holidays like the ones you had.
My favorite gift to get was a Ninja food processor. I can now make flour out of oats! I have such food allergies that I can’t have regular flour or even the gluten-free foods so this is going to be life changing. I am so excited to use it!! (And for many other things too!)
We had a simple Christmas at home, just the two of us after a very busy Christmas eve all together, eating a late lunch out and then me singing in the choir for two services. A late night.
I’m not sure yet what we will do for New Year’s eve. Probably get together with the kids.
Best wishes to all of you for a safe and happy new year celebration, whatever that may look like. 🙂
LeeAnne,
Flour out of oats! sounds like the absolute perfect solution for you and your food allergies. I hope you get lots of practical enjoyment out of it.
How fun to sing in a Christmas choir. I hate that there aren’t as many choirs around as there used to be. There’s nothing quite like singing in a group.
So fun when you can extend Christmas for more family fun.
We bought gifts together and the camera for the backyard will be my favorite once we get it working so we can see what wildlife walks thru our yard
We had a simple Christmas with breakfast at church and service following. Our big Christmas party was the 6th.
If the snow isn’t bad we will go to my husbands friend group that has been meeting on New Years Eve for over 55 years, maybe 60. It is a 1920’s Speakeasy theme, so I have been working on costumes. My husband is not a fan of dressing up, but has agreed. Trying to get him to agree to a second costume once there, that he could change hats and come in as a cop and announce that it is a raid.
Prayers for your New Year.
Patti,
Steve’s parents used to love dressing up in various costumes for plays, events, or singing at a retirement home. You and your husband are making great memories.
And I am so jealous of your husband’s friend group of so many decades. What an incredible blessing.
Enjoy watching your wildlife. Definitely a useful and fun gift!