We hope that you have all enjoyed your Christmas day. At our house Pa has settled in for a long winter's nap and no one is stirring except Ma with her mouse. There is a clatter outside, but it is the wind which is still blowing furiously in the bitter cold. (And when I say cold, I mean 16 with a windchill of -2. Not 50 like you Texans and Alabamans call cold!)
Our family has had a great day so far and I believe a game of cards has been scheduled for later tonight. The kids really enjoyed their gifts. This Christmas has been different in many ways, but they have really enjoyed it. I wasn't sure they were even really into the whole thing, but I have come to realize that, sadly, they are just growing up and they are just excited in a whole new way. They weren't bouncing off the walls like in years past, but they have learned to appreciate and give thanks for what they experience. They really are learning that this whole season is about more than just exchanging gifts. As parents we know that is an answered prayer, because we have tried to teach them this for many years. Yet, there is something so fun about watching small children excited about the possibilities awaiting them under the tree on Christmas morning. Even though they have outgrown Santa, they were still excited. It has taken on a whole new look, though. They used to be giddy and write letters and lists and check the radar for where Santa was. Now they want to keep and share secrets and argue about the secrets (hence the Peace on Earth picture). They even wanted to make sure they got to spend time (not just money) with their loved ones. I think this year is the first year they have been more excited about what they were giving than getting. Maybe what surprised me and gave me the most joy was listening to them talk about how much they enjoyed our Christmas Eve service. It was a little different than usual, but they seemed to truly enjoy and understand its meaning. Communion as a family was very special and a monologue given from Mary's viewpoint was very meaningful. I hope that whatever your celebration was, you found God's peace and joy!
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