Holly Jolly

Some of our sweetest moments this year weren't from Santa, though he was sure a hit in his own way. Nora-Baby was a bit on the fussy side (earache? we're not sure) and needed extra love, but what better day to give it than Christmas? To our surprise however, Nora was the fussiest one of the kids -- the other children shared, shared, shared with goodwill all day. OK, almost all day. But it was a very pleasant surprise.


Also sweet was the exchange of homemade gifts among ourselves that is becoming a wonderful tradition. Last year when pennies were scarce we drew names to make something creative to fill up the space under the tree. We did it again this year, and all the bigger kids were really able to make their own contribution this time. The resulting gifts, and the time spent secretly working on them together, were our most cherished parts of the holiday. We took a group photo to show them off, which I've posted below. Ian and Dad painted pottery for Mom and Lucy, while Lucy made Mancala beads for Ian's game out of oven-bake clay painted with nail polish. We ruined a set of clothes working on that one, but all for the greater good. Mom made Sage a giant scrapbook-type poster for her wall, and Sage embroidered Dad a new handkerchief ALL by herself after practice on a scrap with Mom.

The day ended with a Christmas dinner which most of the kids didn't eat, despite not having eaten lunch or much breakfast besides candy canes, but which was yummy for S. and I. We look forward to eating the leftovers.

Love to you all, and a very merry Christmas!
(Posted by K., in her blogging debut.)

The first glimpse of Christmas bounty

S.'s gifts are well-received

The best gift is love