The Christmas holidays have come and gone, and were everything we hoped for. Everyone got along, the kids were appreciative, Stuart made a wonderful dinner, we even got a decent picture of all four children - together!
The highlight of the festivities for me, as always, was Christmas Eve. There is something so magical to me about that evening - it starts off with an evening meal of various appetizers, and then we all get ready and head off to church. That really is the highlight of the whole year for me - sitting in a beautiful darkened sanctuary, listening to music and words celebrating the most important thing to ever happen, while my wonderful family sits around me, dressed nicely, behaving themselves. It's like payment for the whole year of all that parenting a brood like mine involves - at that moment, I am reminded why it is all worth it.
After the service, we drive around looking at lights, and then head home to open one present each. (It's always pajamas, which they then put on and get ready for bed.) We watch the Polar Express together, and then kiddies head off to bed so Stuart & I can fill stockings and unearth top secret presents. Ahhhh... even writing about it fills me with peace and happiness!
As we head into a new year, filled with all kinds of uncertainty, this holiday reminds me once again that it's all under control, that provision has been made, and my job is to trust and rest. It has been a privilege to spend time with you this year, and I look forward to many wonderful opportunities to share with you.... next year!
Beautiful picture and a beautiful sentiment!
see you next year
Posted by: colleen | December 31, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Beautiful picture and a beautiful sentiment!
see you next year
Posted by: colleen | December 31, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Ahhhh, what a wonderful Christmas Eve!
Best wishes for a fabulous New Year to you and your loved ones!
XOXOX
Posted by: marianne | December 31, 2008 at 06:33 PM
Christmas Eve is my favorite service. I love the candlelight singing of Silent Night as the closing hymn (even if I always have the horrid urge to light my bulletin on fire. I don't. Duh. :)
Polar Express, eh?
Happy New Year to you and your family, Charity!
Posted by: Carrie K | December 31, 2008 at 09:55 PM
Beautiful sentiment and family Charity! Wishing you all a Happy New Year!
Saw the Polar Express for the first time last week, an excelleny film!
Posted by: Jo | January 01, 2009 at 01:59 AM
Happy New Year to you :-) Your Christmas eve sounds wonderful, and a beautiful reminder of why we celebrate the season. May you and yours have a blessed and bountiful new year.
Posted by: Denise | January 01, 2009 at 01:32 PM
Happy New Year, Charity. Thanks for sharing the magic of your Christmas.
Posted by: Judy G. | January 04, 2009 at 10:15 AM
What a great post and a BEAUTIFUL picture of the kids!
Posted by: Julie | January 07, 2009 at 02:51 PM
What a beautiful family you have. I think this is the sweetest photo.
Posted by: Selena Cate | January 12, 2009 at 04:55 PM
Lovely Christmas picture!
Posted by: Jody | February 02, 2009 at 01:58 PM