Stephanie stormed in, a little too early, “Momma, Momma!!!! Santa CAME and he ate all of the candy we left him!! Come on, come………ON!”. I was up late getting everything ready for our Christmas brunch and being sure to be up later than anyone to be sure that everything was ready for Santa. **wink** So, I REALLY wasn’t ready to drag myself out of bed…………But, Stefi’s eyes were sparkling and she was so alive…………… and so aWAKE……..How can you resist the urgent begging of a happy child who ONLY wants to share her joy with you?
So, down the stairs she tromped and we straggled after. She had pulled out everyone’s gifts to see what they got and then stuffed them back into the stockings. She was so excited about the small things in our stockings, she was about to BURST! The snow fell, as if through a fine sifter, as we unstuffed the stockings……Christmas kisses and wishes all around.
Being up early gave me plenty of time to get ready for the party. So, Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby performed their yearly Christmas serenade as I got prepared caramel French toast and Christmas egg casserole. Craig was erecting the “turkey derrick” to fry the turkey. The turkey had been soaking in a brown sugar and salt brine overnight. You should have seen the ladder and pulleys!…..Leave it to a man to turn cooking into a building project! *chuckle*
I thought that many might not make it to the brunch because of the snow. But, the snow was light and white and as it ended, only 3 were unable to join us. So, once again, my home was filled with laughter and singing and entirely too much food. The turkey was wonderful and succulent and everyone ooooed and ahhhhed. We had bubbly toasts to hosts and friends and food. We prayed thanks to God for all we have and for sending His son and asked for protection of those in need.
Santa visited a little after noon and looked like he had had a pretty hard night….:o) But, he was his jovial self and handed out unexpected gifts and everyone laughed. Poppers popped, filled with jokes and party crowns to wear…….and EVERYONE wore them!!! I decided that the older we become the more we enjoy child-like moments. It made me smile and I knew that all the effort was worthwhile……
Wearing our silly crowns, we sang “We Three Kings” Stefi played the piano and Niki and I played the guitar. We passed out bells and everyone jingled along as we sang “Silver Bells” and “Jingle Bells” It was a joyous and blessed day and I thank God for the wonderful gifts He’s given me………..my family, my friends, my music, my warm home and basically no desperate needs of any kind. I’ve never been so happy………..of course, I say that EVERY year! But, it’s TRUE!……………………
Well, the guests are gone. The gifts are unwrapped and everyone has scattered to their little parts of our home to cherish and use their new treasures. The dishwasher is churning and for the first time, today, I’ve got a little time to myself………………..
If you were here, we’d share Holiday Hugs and talk about what’s important and then I’d sing a carol………just for you………..and you could choose………..and it would be such a fine moment in time………..one to remember and cherish…………But, if you let me choose, I’d first sing ‘o Holy Night”, then I’d say good-night with……”Silent Night”
God Bless you and your family, today and every day.