Our Christmas

We shopped and wrapped, and crafted,

decorated, cooked and baked for what seems like months.

And in the blink of an eye... another Christmas is over.

For me, Christmas is a time for nostalgia... remembering Christmases long gone...

as well as a time of anticipation... for future Christmases.

One thing is sure... over the years, the face of Christmas changes...

each one different and special to itself.

One might be tempted to feel let down - that for all that preparation,

the day comes and goes so quickly.

For me... the preparation is as important as the day itself.

The preparation is an act of love... for family, for friends, for humanity, for self.

And so, Christmas is much more than a day.

When I think of it this way, there is no "let down" when it is over....

just weeks worth of memories.

Our family Christmas celebration was Saturday.

Four generations gathered to celebrate the love of family.

We feasted and gifted and played the day away.

And although I would love to show you highly stylized photos of a perfectly set table,

and magazine -worthy rooms filled with Christmas cheer...

I will instead share with you our perfectly imperfect table...

as it bursts at the seams with a family that continues to grow.

It's next to impossible to fit us all on one photo!

The chairs don't match... nor do the glasses or silverware...

But our table is filled with the smiling faces of people who truly love each other.

I am so very lucky to call these people mine.

To be able to celebrate with our parents and siblings...

our adult children and their children is the best gift we could receive.

Our dinner was over-the-top delicious...

a kitchen filled with help both before and after made the meal even more festive.

By the time Christmas Day rolled around, Hubbs and I had plenty of time

to focus on each other and our animal friends.

A small Christmas Eve snowfall made Christmas morning even more special

as we headed out to care for our farm friends.

Each year I wish for a White Christmas.

This year I was not disappointed.

Christmas Day was blustery and cold...

a wonderfully quiet day at home with a roaring fire to warm us...

our hearts filled with gratitude for the people that make our life so special...

and our bellies filled with delicious left-overs!

Another Christmas is behind us, but so many exciting days are ahead of us.

We're so glad to have you come along with us on this adventure!