The best part of Christmas was being together as a family. The gifts were great, the food excellent and abundant, but for me this year it was more about the family that ever before.

We had a great day. It started with Shirley & I exchanging gifts and going to visit Shirley’s mom at her house. Then we were back a our home and had brunch with Scott & Mandi. Right after that Eric and Dez arrived and we sent the rest of the day together which was wonderful. We opened presents and laughed a lot and just enjoyed everyones thoughtfulness and their company. After exchanging gifts we took a short drive over to a nice pathway and walked for about an hour. It was fairly warm this year at only about -8. Some little boys even hit the slide for some added fun.

Back at the house we all played a new game given to us this Christmas, Settlers of Catan, and had lots of fun. Then it was time to prepare for dinner, which was the traditional turkey with all the standard favorites. The turkey seemed extra good this year and the meal was enjoyed by all. Post-dinner cleanup was followed by another rousing game of Scattegories, and some hilarious answers were given, right Scott? Things that are hidden…! I was given the first season of “House” on DVD so we rounded out the evening with the 1st episode and everyone snuggling under the blankets.

We’re so blessed to have a wonderful, loving and caring family so close to us. Shirley and I really appreciate each member and their specialness and uniqueness as part of our family. Just seeing everyone together, having fun, laughing and enjoying each other was the best gift of all.

Merry Christmas to all.

Today is Christmas eve, and our preparations for Christmas day are almost complete. This morning I slept in a bit then got up, fixed a pot of coffee, and settled in to review last Wednesday’s church sermon on Spiritual Strength. I found the message quite encouraging and helpful for me and my current situation. I’m sure spending more time in the Word will help a lot.

Afterwards, I received my “honey do” list for the day. Not too bad, wash the car and change the light bulb in the oven. This short a task list must mean we’re really ready for Christmas! So, after washing the car, vacuuming and  cleaning the carpets I headed over to Canadian Tire to get a  bulb for the stove. The store was not too busy, but I did get the sense that there were a lot of guys there shopping for their wives at the last minute. And no, I was not one of “them”.

This afternoon I’ll relax a bit and wrap up a few last minute things and organize a special surprise for someone on Christmas. I was going to say Christmas morning but it’s more like afternoon these days. Eric & Dez are doing things at their house where they just moved in after extensive renovations, and Scott is spending Christmas eve & morning with Mandi and her parents. So, by the time we see kids eager for Christmas, I think that’s just Eric, it will be later in the day.

This will bring a new tradition this year. For all of my Christmases to date, the family gathered together and we all exchanged gifts together. This year the kids will be exchanging their gifts to each other independently, and without us. As a result we’re decided to join the trend and Shirley and I will exchange our gifts to each other on Christmas morning, just the two of us. Hmmm, shades of more things to come? Perhaps more on how that turns out later.

Tonight, I’ll be a our church running the sound system for the two Christmas eve services. It should be quite the evening. There have been many practices for this evening including two Saturdays that I’ve attended and a number of others for the drama teams, band and vocalists, not to mention the pyrotechnics. I’ll see if I can squeeze in some pictures, but considering that the service is only one hour, there is a lot going on.

Afterwards, we’ll head over to our good friends the Ford’s to join their traditional Christmas Eve open house after church. Well, actually it’s just family and a few close friends, and were blessed to be considered a cross between family and close friends. This January will mark our 25th anniversary as friends. Sounds like a good reason for a party!

Upon returning home we might squeeze in one more eggnog as “Santa” readies the various Christmas socks. Some traditions will live on forever, and this will be one of them. Nobody is too big or too old for a Christmas sock with crazy stuff!

Watching the movie The Nativity Story on Friday was excellent. It was a very poignant reminder of the gift God gave us all in his son Jesus, and the part that Mary & Joseph had in bringing the miracle to the world.

Merry Jesusmas!