Spontaneous Christmas

When you reflect on the first Christmas, it held some degree of spontaneity. Although the census was organized by Rome all the rest was chaos. No vacancy in any hotel or inn - have to sleep in a barn. Baby born in a barn. oops. An ordinary night of shepherding interrupted by Angels and an unexpected rush into town to see this baby. A long, long trip across country with the surprise at the end: the king didn't know who was being born and dreams sent you home by another route. It all looks so peaceful and organized in our pictures and the reality was probably a little less so.

Since then Christmas celebrations have become organized within an inch of their lives. Presents are bought and wrapped months ahead. Meals are planned months ahead if not so traditional that no one needs to plan: Aunt Mary's pies, Uncle Bob's roasted chestnuts, Mama's dressing, mashed potatoes for Cindy, sweet potatoes for Jane, and it wouldn't be Christmas without Clara's green bean casserole. And the guest list is set and you know exactly who will be present and there is always enough for another family to drop in. Except they rarely do.

What a delightful, lovely, Spontaneous day we had yesterday. Dean and I were going to have the day together. Daughter and her family were "alone" as well. About nine o'clock when I knew the presents would have been opened and the games begun, I sent her a text and said, "It is a gorgeous day. Bring your pie and your family and come to dinner about 2." Imagine my delight and surprise when she said, Yes! :D :D

The only excess was meat: they brought their ham, we had our tri-tip. We had both planned on sweet potatoes and a vegetable so I furnished the potatoes and she the veggie with cheese sauce and she already had her wonderful pecan pie made. The meal became a feast, not because there were so many dishes but because there were people together who love each other and were excited and pleased to be together when we weren't expecting it.

A very merry Christmas ~ and blessings all around