Christmas Eve, 2010

Christmas Eve dawns in a spectacular fashion. There are just enough clouds scattered across the sky to light the sunrise fire of orange and gold for those few privileged seconds. Then the gentle glow of pale gold surrounds the mountain tops in the distance and a little pink dusts the snow. The fire crackles and snaps in the fireplace and we know it is a special day.

My Uncle Bill was born either on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. I have written the family to be reminded which. Whichever, we celebrated his birthday on Christmas Eve. Aunt Maud would have the family and a few friends gather at their home. She always had custard for drinking - no liquor in it I am sure - and homemade cake. White cake with very white icing which she decorated with Boxwood leaves. Somewhere along the line, I remember learning that Boxwood leaves are poisonous. Ah well - we never ate them and none of us got sick and Aunt Maud's cakes were delicious. Happy Birthday, Uncle Bill.

I have decided to get out the few Christmas dishes I have - dessert plates, compotes and napkins with a Christmas tree on them. It is not much - still more than I have out now - and will be just enough to make me very happy.

You know what else makes me happy? Presents. There is something about the giving and receiving of presents that is So Delightful. I Love shopping for books for my grandchildren. And it is ok to say that even for the ones who read my blog because they Know - I am the book giving grandmother. The surprise is which ones. It was a wonderful surprise to receive gifts for both of us from good friends in Virginia. We are good enough friends that I do not have to rush out and buy them gifts because they gifted us. Their package has already been a surprise and I look forward to seeing the surprise tomorrow morning.

I am learning I need to get to the boxes before Dean does because he opens them Now - whenever now is. I realize everyone has their own tradition, and mine is to wait until Christmas morning to open gifts so when he opened one of the two in a box from the littlest granddaughter, I made him wait on the other one.

We will go as late as possible today to the PO to make sure we get the present from the daughter who lives far away.

I have been looking for a piece of art of some kind to hang over the mantle. Our mantle comes to a point in the middle - distinctive yet hard to decorate around. This year I found a sculpture of flying birds which I think will look lovely on the blue wall and be the crowning touch. When I showed it to Dean, he agreed, smiled and said, "buy yourself a Christmas present." :) And so I have. I am looking forward to its delivery after the first of the year. Pictures then.

And then there are my snowshoes. No - they aren't new. They have been around for years and we keep our boots in them and they hang outside the back door. And this morning mine are hanging there - and I have professional permission to give snowshoeing a try this weekend. My Big gift of the season is going to be snowshoeing without pain. I am ready and can hardly wait.

Presents come in all shapes and sizes at all times of the year. Those that come around this time are very special whether they come in a box, a stocking or on the trail behind the house. May you enjoy your presents ~ whatever they are. Have a blessed and Merry Christmas ~