Sixteen...that doesn't seem like a lot of people, objectively. But when you put that same amount of people in a small two story house around an extended Christmas table,... or in the living room of said house for opening Christmas gifts... or taking family photos on and around the couch of said living room in said house, It's a lot more than it seems.
We had the grandparents, my parents, my sisters and their husbands, my three cousins, my mom's brother and sister and their spouses.... we had a packed house. It was beautiful though.... because as I was listening to a Christmas music program on TV, I realized what a blessing it was for me to be a part of it all.
The speaker was relaying the story from which the song "I'll be Home for Christmas" originated. As the music began to play I realized.... I could have not been home for Christmas. I could have been working or home alone without any kind of family celebration at all. My parents are leaving the country in six months.... this is their last Christmas in the US for a while. Realizing all that could have been, I was overwhelmed with gratitude of Home... and tears streamed down as the love poured in.
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| The Kitchen was always astir with activity from Baked Pineapple to American Lasagna |
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| We don't do just plain colored balls. We have all sorts of ornaments, retro and modern |
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| The Star of the Show |
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| Just the tip of the iceberg |
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| magical |
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| The original stockings of my mom's family of five |
We had such a wonderful time. My job every year is to set up the Nativity scene.
I rarely set it up the same year after year... there are an array of peices besides the traditional couple with shepherds and wisemen.
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| Sand, pebbles, moss, and a wall side make of a believable Bethlahem |
It's my favorite. ...So much has happened, but I think I will save some for another post later.
Love ya'll! Merry Christmas!
