Here we go! My description of Christmas 2005. Can I capture the anticipation, the passion, the emotions or the highlights?
First an observation. My gratulations to all Christians of the World for rising up and insisting that "Christ" be the center of the Christmas celebration. My utmost respect for what all dissident people of the world believe but how about respect in return.
Trying to coordinate the celebration of Christmas with all of family and friends is becoming a statistical jigsaw puzzle. Every person, every family and every friend has their own priorities and getting that puzzle solved for our family celebration is miraculous.
Paul and Jenny and Dominic and Tommy arrived and stayed Christmas Eve. It was fun to have them. We experienced some magic because Dominic's cousin Bailey is spreading the rumor that there is no Santa Claus. Talk about blasphemy! Well a miracle occured on Christmas Eve. We left the house in early evening to experience the light displays in our neighborhood. Somebody has money! As we are driving around, Dominic saw a red light in the sky. It could have been a reflection, an airplane or maybe Rudolph. The sighting was dismissed and we journeyed on only to return home to find presents under the tree. Santa had come. Dominic was sure that that Rudoph sighting in the sky was real and subsequent presents were proof. Did I mention that Margaret had arrived earlier and somehow coordinated the Santa effort. Well, Dominic's cousin Bailey must have received an "earful" about Santa. Bailey, there is a Santa and Dominic has proof.
Chris and Shelby and Nevin and Keely and Collin showed up after Church on Christmas morning. They were under pressure to arrive at Shelby's family celebration in Cascade but they persevered through presents, food and the White elephant exchange. I think Santa has to become more clear about the rules of the white elephant effort. Somehow Nevin always seems to get what he wants. Last year it was a TV and this year it was a "locked box" computer disc filing system. My understanding is that the filing system will find it's way to e-Bay for cash. Ah, the consumate entrepreneur.
Kelly and Carlos and Grant and Mitchell blew in early afternoon on Christmas day in time to exchange white elephant gifts. I don't know what Kelly's offer to the white elephant effort was, but it usually pretty good stuff. Grant grows on a daily basis and Mitchell never stops moving. The Andrews/Vargus family stayed over night along with Margaret on Christmas Day.
And then, each Christmas has some special present or event. One that brings "Ooooo's and Ahhhh's". Deb and Dano arrived Christmas Day from separate directions. One came from Wausau where she was visiting and the other drove up from Sheboygan. Debs got a new baby blue Columbia jacket. One pocket had a small gift but the other pocket had a square box typical for storing rings. Debs held the box in her hand and blushed a little. What could it be? What could it be? Lo and behold, it had a sparkling engagement ring. Tom, the love of her life was hoovering near the Christmas tree with a big smile. I don't remember exactly the verbal exchange but it had something to do with proposal of marriage, a special kiss and actually an applause from the whole family. Sometimes it takes time for special people to enter your life but I think both Debs and Tom have made that find! Congratulations to both.
So Monday the 26th, Kelly and family and Margaret were still around but things had calmed down. Kelly and Carlos are preparing to move into their new home. Margaret has anxious to get her special batch of party mix made and head back to Minneapolis for an evening with Rex. Can you believe that she would leave her Mom and Dad to return to Rex? Ah, all is right with the world and as it should be.
So you see Christmas came and went. It is like a blur. A special recognition of my dear wife who works very hard to create some magic and plan a special family gathering. It is a huge undertaking. She manages to have good memories such as hot potato soup, hot clam chowder dip, apple cider, and lots and lots of options for appetizers. She decorates the house. She coordinates gifts to please the recipients. She literally becomes consumed by the effort. So if you really think about it, that is her gift to the family. Like Santa, she gets very, very tired.
Thank you all. You made our Christmas memorable.
Love,
Dad
If it weren't for all of mom's efforts, this family tradition of getting together on Christmas day would never be. Nothing lasts forever, so as long as mom keeps welcoming us home for the christmas holiday, we will all be there. Thankyou Mom for all you do for the family!!!!!!Love you
I will second that motion. The boys are always very excited to see their very special "Honey" any time and chirtmas is even more special.
Thanks for letting us stay and the love you give everyone.