Merry Christmas!
I repeat, Merry Christmas! We went to the 11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service at church last night, so we got to start our celebration in the car as the new day turned over. It was an interesting service, meant to be contemplative, so it didn’t have as much singing as we would’ve liked. But it was also nice to celebrate in prayer. I remembered and prayed for some of the people and causes that a shinier, more exciting service would’ve left in the background. It brought a new feeling to the words “holy night.”
Of course, I missed riding home with Mom after “babysitting” the Linden kids while they slept and their parents went to the late service. I can’t believe it’s been so many years! And I missed hearing Dad sing the men’s part of Joy to the World. (Dave has filled in—how smart of me to marry someone with a beautiful voice!) Dave and I have developed our own traditions—a mix of his, growing up, and mine. Attending the very late church service is his contribution. I play Santa’s helper. (I bolted awake at 4:00 a.m. and padded downstairs to fill the stockings with candy, an orange, razor blades, socks, and new toothbrushes. We’re grown-ups, for sure!)
Dave cooked bacon and eggs while I made coffee. We showered and then opened the masses of gifts that were piling up under the tree. We’re very well loved!
We got lots of great gifts this year. Money is always welcomed, and we got some other really thoughtful presents. Everyone knows us so well. All of the clothes, games, and books are terrific. Martha even sent some oplatky. She knows that I miss all of those Mazak traditions! We’ll be sure to make duck beaks in her honor on New Year’s Eve.
Dave got me some wonderful gifts—kitchen stuff, including a new cutting board and a whetstone. Who knew that I would ever be thrilled with culinary presents? He also got me a book I’ve been wanting, without knowing that I’ve been wanting it! I buy him socks for every holiday, so he got socks and a fleece jacket with Gore Windstopper. He’s been planning to read James Joyce’s Ulysses—probably so he can brag about it—so I got him a hardcover version (he’s fussy about paperbacks).
This afternoon we’re headed over to Greg and Emily’s to enjoy a meal with them; the Bronskis; and some new young adults from church, Katie, Todd, and baby Henry. We hope you’re all having a wonderful holiday.
(To read a post about our Christmas preparations, click here: Getting Ready for Christmas)