We had a Christmas celebration at my mom's, marking 15 without dad now. We always begin the day with a prayer service lighting his candles. Mom slipped two of dad's rosaries into the boys' stockings. Ben's has a Benedictine medal, and Alex got Divine Mercy. Another highlight gift was my sister and I taking our mom and daughters to the London Tea Room for high tea. Unfortunately, they were unable to accommodate G's nut allergy, so she had to watch us delight over tasting the items always read about in books as she sipped her Green Dragon, but we still had a smashing time. The Naughty Vicar was our fave flavor. My brother sweetly surprised us with Wagyu beef from our uncle's farm. But the best gift was a house overstuffed with laughter and a mountain of shoes at the door.
Mom's party coincided with a double birthday party for G's friends but she was able to make a brief appearance. Getting to know these wonderful young ladies and their families has been such a delight and one of the highlights of G's high school experience.
We kept up the tradition of visiting the Way of Lights at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. Many more colored lights were added this year. We went inside for the Lego display seeking to find all 31 hidden Beakers. The London Tea Room was featured in the city display complete with tiny signature pots. We walked down to the grotto and lit a candle for Sarah's family.
Balmy Christmas Eve we baked cookies and Jason's Papa Natale letters were slipped beneath his dinner plate. The kids role played the nativity story from scripture as Jason read it aloud. A nutcracker was enlisted to stand in for Herod. Then we each opened up a cozy gift before attending the night Mass. Christmas Day was a relaxed and joyful time of revealing thoughtful surprises. Alex painted budgie art for G. Jason got new gardening knee pads to replace his homemade version. St Thérèse "roses" were dropped on my porch from two different friends. Everyone worked together to finish off 50 Men's Wear & Give Miraculous Medal bracelets while we prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
On this 7th night of Christmas, we will paper crane our intentions and send the stale air of 2025 out the back door. Wishing you all a blessed Christmas season and joyful surrender in the year to come.
*Most 2025 posts have now been published into a hard copy and removed from this site.
No comments:
Post a Comment