The Eve of Christmas

It snowed just in time for Christmas Eve.

It's a simpler time in some ways.

Big gatherings are not allowed and the normal Christmasy events that are usually keeping people hopping have been canceled.  

But it's not a bad thing, if you have a few precious ones to gather with, that is.

Time to be still, to reflect and to enjoy the beauty of the season and the few precious faces that are allowed in your little circle. 

Praying Jesus will be recognized this year, more than ever now that the many distractions surrounding his birth have been pushed away...

I had a cozy evening writing cards and wrapping a few small gifts.

Not so many gifts any more at this age and stage which is just fine.

There are lights and there is music.

And the joy of kids coming home for the holidays!! 

Patrice and Willow arrived and the puppy shenanigans began again!

So nice to have these beautiful days to rest, play and prepare.

We had lots of fun making and decorating cookies.  I had made lots of little crisp Pfeffernusse in advance so we focused on the sugar cookies.

Patrice made some kind of amazing icing but we were short on colours, as you can see...

I scrounged up a few little decorations and we had fun being creative.

Christmas Eve was spent at Elsie's.  

I had hoped to pick up Chinese Food for something really different and easy, but the lineup was atrocious so Patrice emerged from the store with a unique combination of goodies including Greek Salad, pizza, chips and dip.

We had a sweet evening together and had a good time putting together the following little video for the family. 

Mom kept saying the funniest things when I said "Merry Christmas Mom" to her and this is our final take!

Since it was Thursday evening, Mom stayed at Elsie's and Patrice and I went home, eager to see Daniel who was to arrive on Christmas Day!! 

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift. 

Oh Jesus, how thankful we are that you came...