Christmas Eve service was pleasant, a candle-light contemporary service with just the right mix of Jesus and accoustic guitar. Mikaela didn’t scream at Deb or me for singing, which was alone worth the price of admission. Gabe held our candle and blew it out only at the correct time.
I managed to read The Night Before Christmas on its proper evening, but it was over Gabe’s objections. He usually picks out the book that I read out loud while he reads his book, and was offended that I dared to demand a book of my choice. Yet I prevailed, and it was magical.
Santa came that night. We had no cookies, so we left out five rice krispy treats. He ate them all, and drank the entire glass milk we left out for him. It must have been tasty enough. The tree was surrounded in the morning by presents in Santa’s red and green cloth as well as our own wrapping paper.
There was a message this year. Santa brought soccer, base- and basket-balls; baseball gloves and rollerblade inline skates. We’re going to be spending more time outdoors this year, methinks, or next year he’ll bring only coal. Chrismas afternoon Gabe and I started out the year with a 20-minute basketball dribbling session, and Mikaela stomped around the house in her skates.
The rest of the gifts were equally well-received. Wardrobes were increased, as well as toy-box holdings. My Irish coffee mug was wrapped up with a new bottle of Jameson’s and some instant coffee. Deb got a pair of nursing shoes, and a white shirt. Other than these mama and papa gift, Santa was VERY frugal this year. She shopped at a thrift store, and spent about $3 per gift.
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