Christmas Holiday

What a wonderful Christmas we all had. The excitement my children had as the countdown to Christmas got closer was so fun. I always have loved Christmas but, of course, seeing it through your children makes it even more magical and special.

Sam was nearly crazy with excitement Christmas Eve. We went to church and it was a cold, rainy evening. I love it when it is cloudy and cold for Christmas, it gives a cozy feeling at home with all the lights and fire. Anyway, church was great and the kids were so well behaved. As the lights dimmed at the end of the service and "Silent Night" was sung, I really thought that I would make it through it without crying and then the second verse hit and BOOM. Tears a-flowing. "Silent Night" is a special song to our family as it was a favorite of my grandfather's. I still can hear his deep voice singing it at Christmas Eve service in Kansas with the snow outside and the smell of incense inside with the knowledge that Santa was on his way. Needless to say, I think of him when I hear it and it is a happy memory tinged with sadness.

We went home and prepared for Santa and his reindeer. We put out reindeer food - which is something I never heard of as a child but apparently teachers have a special mixture they prepare and send home. We got our cookies and chocolate milk ready and put the children to bed. Sam could hardly keep his eyes closed and had a hard a time getting to sleep.

Christmas morning, Sam crawls in bed at 7 or so..."Do you think Santa has been here?" he asked. I said "Of course!" Not long after, Hayes crawled in bed..."Do you think Santa has come?" he asked. I said "I sure bet he did". They was so cute and excited! Ben took the morning as opportunity to sleep in and we woke him about 7:15. We all waited in our bedroom while daddy readied the house. Oh, they were so excited and cute they could barely stand it. When the time finally arrived to see what Santa had brought, they were bursting. It was so much fun.

And then, it was over before it had begun and I was sad - all that buildup and poof, it is over. Oh well, they had a great Christmas. My mom and dad came over for lunch and we celebrated with them. Ryan's family came over that evening for dinner and we celebrated with them. We had a wonderful Christmas. It was wonderful and we felt so blessed and thankful.

Then, before you know it, back to school and the grindstone. Happy New Year!!