Christmas has been officially put away for another year. I love my vintage glass ornaments all piled up in a box. This year, I am please to report that we did not break a single ornament. That is a record on its own. With two dog tails and six curious hands, we usually break at least 5 ornaments every year. Another sign that my girls are growing up. After making doubly and triply sure that there was no ornament left on the tree, I chucked my tree out the front door with glee. I may have even giggled a little. Scott saw the tree laying on our front lawn and walked in the house laughing, wishing that he could see me throwing it. I usually let Scott do the honor, but I figured after taking nearly 5 hours to put away Christmas, I cannot possibly let him do the most fun part. :) I do not want you to worry though. I am not turning into some trashy garbage in the front lawn kind of a lady. There is a Christmas tree pick-up service the town provides and they are going to burn them at the camp ground along with some fireworks and hay ride as a winter entertainment this weekend.
Several years ago, I started writing our Christmas memories on a spare Christmas card from that year to save them. I added girls' letters to santa and 'his' reply. Now, I have a nice collection of sweet cards and memories. So, I took a moment to do that again this year. It's my way of counting the blessings. I had printed my girls' art work to make them into cards along with some photos. I wrote down meals we shared with some dear friends, old and new. We had a delightful time celebrating Christmas. Opening presents and lighting Advent candles. Caroling in the hospital, skating and sledding. Hay ride and phone calls from loved ones.
We shared a lovely evening celebrating Epiphany (three kings day) with one of our lovely new friends. Our girls dressed up like the three kings and we made up 3 small packages to bring. Our friends and their darling girls prepared a feast and helped us learn about The Epiphany, singing and a game to find the missing wisemen, which we all enjoyed. I cherish those simple little moments where I feel connected with my girls, sharing in the joy of acquiring knowledge and trying something new.
Looking back at this year, we are reminded over and over that friends and family are the blessings of this finite life. Sometimes, not having family close by can get lonely especially around holidays. I have mentioned in my blog before how I used to have temper tantrums around Christmas.
Well, I am happy to tell you those days are over now.
5 comments:
wonderful! couldn't see the second picture though.
Did you plant it in the lawn afterward? That's what we do. Actually, I took mine down on the 26th. This year I was ready to move and and look ahead to the new year. Maybe a bit scroogish of me. Cute wise men.
Where did you get your awesome old ornaments? they are so groovy.
my ornaments are from New to You. I paid like 2 dollars for a whole bucketload. Lucky find, I say.
Christmas is not over! Your package has not been mailed, our tree is still up and cards need to be written and sent...
Post a Comment