Christmas spirit this year didn’t start for us with the decorations as it did last year. Our holiday started when Daddy was slowing down in his work the weekend before Christmas week. We went to the public library to check out a few books and DVDs to amuse us during Christmas home stay. The moment we saw the Christmas Vacation DVD cover, we were mentally entering into the holiday spirit.

The purchase of our sweet tree was another holiday highlight. We went to the Lansdowne Shoppes, our favorite shopping center, to check out a Christmas tree lot. It was such a cozy, interesting experience as they had a real wood-burning fireplace, hot apple cider, old-fashioned sleigh on display, tons of real holiday green, and surprisingly a live camel and some sheep. I am now remembering it with such fond memories.

We ended up getting a young tree that we can keep to grow throughout the years. The tree will grow up with our boys. We were sad to throw out our tree last year, so couldn’t be happier to be holding on to this one.

The children Christmas pageant service at our church was a fantastic treat. The music was amazing as always and most children were decked out as a lamb, angel or shepherd. The nativity story was played out. We believe all parents and grand-parents had a good time in church that day. Not sure about the children though. They probably felt ridiculous in their frocks.

James and Jacob like their many Christmas gifts this year from auntie Karen, Grammie, Uncle Jon and Grandpops, and us. James is a happy driver of his new car and an indulging giant conductor of his two new toy train sets. Lucky boy! Jacob plunged himself into playing with marbles and making robots during the holiday. He couldn’t be happier with his new Smurf DVD. Lucky boy!

Thanks to David’s efficient leadership, our Christmas present opening session didn’t last forever at Grammie’s even though there were tons of gifts thanks to Santa Karen. Needless to say, everyone enjoyed their Christmas feast afterwards.

Last but not least, it is the presence, either physical or in spirit, of all those we love and love us that ultimately makes the holiday time special.