Stockings were Hung by the Chimney with Care

Most years there is so much hustle and bustle that Christmas sometimes is a nuisance. It requires more time and energy than I want to give. I decided that I was going to have a happy Christmas this year. I've had a few snags, but all in all, I am enjoying time with family and friends. Today, Kyle is home and were are preparing to have Christmas with his sister and family. Out of all his brothers and sisters; they are the only ones in Ohio. I'm excited to have the nephews and niece here to have some little pitter patter of feet and the excitment of santa in our home. I have the buffet all prepared with goodies. The best part about this is I didn't make hardly any of it. I was focused on getting cookies ready for people in our church I gave most of what I had made away and was planning on baking yesterday. I got so many gifts from my students and people of the branch that I didn't have to bake at all yesterday. I just dipped a few pretezel rods because I had bought all the stuff to do so.

The next thing I am excited about is a new tradition that we are starting with our family. We are going to use the raclete machine to make a great meal that everyone does their own, while we sit around the table and chat and share what's going on in life. That's the best part of being in a world-wide church you meet people that have been around the world and bring traditions to you that you never knew exisisted. The raclete machine is a European tradition (Swiss?) where you grill meats and veggies then pour melted cheese over what you just grilled. Thank you McDonald's for sharing this tradition with us last Christmas.

I made fresh bread and we have our potatoes baked, and will heat up broccoli, cauliflower and carrots for later. You put your cheese under the grill and it melts while the other food is grilling. We have chicken, shrimp, steak and ham to grill. Yummo! Of course we have the Crawford family tradition of pizza on Christmas eve too. We can't forget the egg nog (not my favorite, but the family likes it).

This has been an exciting Christmas for me. I've actually taken time to enjoy people and decorating and get into the real meaning of Christmas. I've let Christ's spirit touch my heart. I needed the spiritual boost! Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!