Did you have a lovely Christmas, friends? I did. Alex and I particularly enjoyed the Christmas Eve candlelight service at our church. I love this time when the church is packed with worshippers sitting quietly as our college students lead us in songs and carols before we end by all singing "Silent Night" together in the dim light. After all the busyness of December, it's great to pause and reflect before Christmas actually arrives. And as the years roll on, I'm increasingly aware that second to the gift of Christ ("Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift!"), my favorite Christmas "gift" is simply having a healthy and happy family and friends. Here I am with Alex at my dad's house for the big family celebration on Monday.
Here's my sister, Rhonda, and me with Daddy.
Aunt Jane *loves* to have her picture made with Alex.
And while I do enjoy receiving presents, I most enjoy giving them to all the kids in our family, so here are a few shots of my nephew and nieces, starting with the youngest, Matthew.
Then there's Amelia, who received lots of clothes and horse-themed goodies for her room.
Cari is an Auburn fan (sorry, Alabama friends) and had requested this T-shirt commemorating their win in this year's Iron Bowl.
And Madison, the oldest, who now has her first "grown-up" job, has moved into a townhome with a girlfriend and had requested a coffeemaker.
And we're still eating leftovers from yet another wonderful family meal! My sister and I join in for what we like to think of as a modified Thanksgiving menu. This year that meant a ham Daddy baked as well as dressing, sweet potato casserole, potato salad, broccoli casserole, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, olives, and rolls. Dessert was a coconut cake, pound cake, chocolate chip pie, and pecan pie. All was accompanied by lots of sweet tea! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed a happy, healthy family celebration yourself. How did you celebrate?
Just beautiful. A special feast - family pics are great. My Mom actually cooked for Christmas day this year (85 years) so I actually relaxed a bit! LOL. Enjoyable with family!
ReplyDeleteWonderful Christmas pictures! I am glad to find another grown woman who calls their father 'Daddy'! Must be a southern thing. Here in California they make fun of me for it, let them. I am thankful my daddy is still around at 89. Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the lovely photos of your family at Christmas! Since neither of us had family nearby this Christmas, my friend Carolin prepared a beautiful afternoon tea for the two of us at her apartment, with her best china. I made the scones and brought the Devonshire cream, and we had a very nice Christmas with many cups of tea, many laughs, and much conversation.
ReplyDelete--from Vernona in DC
What a lovely family celebration! I, too, enjoyed a Christmas Eve service that ended with singing "Silent Night" by candlelight. It's my favorite service. My daughter and her family stayed with me for the weekend, returning home on Christmas Eve night so they could have Christmas morning at home. I went down to join them Christmas afternoon and came home yesterday. I've had lots of granddaughter and grandson loving the past few days, which makes me a very happy Grammie.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures, Angela! Nothing better than family gatherings - family of God and birth family.
ReplyDeleteGlad your Christmas went well, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteYour family seems content.
I sing at the Christmas Eve service at church and you are so right - it is sooooo special. I can never get through it without tears of gratitude and joy at the gift God gave us.
Happy New Year to you and yours. Hugs.
Sounds like a wonderful Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI’m glad you had a very merry Christmas with your family.
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