I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, with lots of love and good cheer. Twelfth Night has long passed, and all the decorations have been put away, but fortunately the memories–and a few photos–remain. Unfortunately, Brittany somehow eluded the camera, but we’ll get her another time!

Remember last year, when I was on the constant search for Christmas lights? This year someone told me about a nearby neighborhood that gets serious about theirs, so Christmas Eve after the Candlelight Service at church, I had the girls grab a few cozy blankets for the car, and we drove over to have a look. Wow.

But mostly this year, the theme has been “white.” Considering the fact that last year our goal was to skip winter entirely, it’s a bit surprising how much I’m enjoying the almost constant snow we’ve had so far this winter. But who doesn’t like a white Christmas? Our granddaughters certainly enjoyed it. ↓

This was part of a challenge to see who could stay lying in the snow the longest–um, NOT my idea. They took this VERY seriously. To prevent hypothermia, we finally had to declare a tie and tempt them inside with hot chocolate . . . ↓

But they weren’t the only ones loving the snow. We see cross-country skiers on the golf course regularly, and even though Will forgot to pack boots, he was willing to do whatever it took to get out and enjoy it as well. Note the trash bags taped on with festive red and white duct tape. Unfortunately, he discovered that without insulation, trash bags are not very warm. Boots recommended for next time.

But it was plenty warm indoors. Lots of laughter and games. When I was growing up, I made my brothers wait until I had read and explained all the rules of any new game before playing on Christmas morning. I’m not making this up. They called me Little Miss Rules. In a rare departure from tradition, here’s how Christmas games are now played at our house, not EXACTLY according to the rules, since putting the sticks in Brittany’s guy, Rick’s hair was not mentioned.

←In other Christmas craziness, here’s David, sporting his jingle-bell shorts, a gift from Chelsea a few years ago and ONLY worn on Christmas. He’s opening his “Man Crate” –a gift from all three daughters.

Five days with seven adults, two children, and one very ancient black lab, in basically a two-bedroom house. Yes, it was pretty chaotic, but mostly in a fun way. By Tuesday, the 29th, all were headed home:

Courtney and her girls back to Minnesota . . .

Chelsea and Will to Alexandria, Virginia, and Brittany and Rick to Denver (technically, Centennial, but who knows where that is).

Wishing you fabulous times with family and friends, whether chaotic or calm. French has a term: les proches, literally “the near ones.” I love that. The ones who are near even when they are not physically near. Je pense à vous, mes amis français. Looking at you, far-flung family. Hoping for more time together, distant friends.

Old wood best to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust, and old authors to read. ∼Athenaeus

Yes’m, old friends is always best, ‘less you can catch a new one that’s fit to make an old one out of. ∼Sarah Orne Jewett

You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them. ∼Desmond Tutu

Thanks, all of you, for being a gift to me.