Yesterday was an awesome day - we had a great day. After my quiet time yesterday I was up and about making things for lunch and dinner so that I wouldn't have to be cooking all day. About 11AM my daughter and some of her family came over and we opened our gifts. I think they liked everything. I know we did. Of course I am really easy to buy for, in spite of what my children - or anyone else thinks - I love everything. ;-) I appreciate the thought... it's not about the gift so much. I just want to feel loved.
Before my daughter and family got here, I was able to open the gifts from my big brother. He gave us a beautiful clock which I promptly got hung up on the wall. It is much prettier than the one I had there. Very similar, but much classier. Also got a puzzle - and it made me laugh... I forget what it's called, but it is the one of the Republican presidents, including Trump, sitting around a table, I think.
After the daughter and family left, I made sure the table was set for the my youngest and his family - only three of them here this year. Haven't heard anything from his prodigal daughter. We had a good time with them and ate well - again. I still haven't been able to get over to see Ms. Diane. I think I'll cook the eggs ole' and see if I can take over to her this morning. I know her family will be there late morning to spend the day with her ... I did call her yesterday, but she wasn't up to getting up and opening the garage for me to come in. Maybe I can get over there today. She is getting so weak.
Managed to get in a 45 minute deep nap in between families coming over. I am not used to being so active (which is sad, really) and busy cooking and all... I was tired! By 8:30-9PM we were in bed and slept good! Hubby and I woke up early this morning and we have already had our Christmas. I really appreciate everything hubby bought me.... I'm just not sure what he was thinking. Other than two tops, the remaining clothes were sizes small and medium. I haven't worn either of those sizes in 30 years. I order online; I don't like going to stores.... especially now when everyone is returning things.... these may just hang in my closet for whenever I DO decide to get serious about losing weight. Just saying. Of course he feels bad he picked up the wrong sizes - I am too - a couple things are gorgeous!
We decided to do our quiet time until about 8AM and then I'll put eggs ole' on for us to bake and fix us breakfast. I don't need to start things for dinner until around noon so we have some time today to do nothing. Which is really weird... Christmas Day is usually the day I'm cooking lunch and dinner; not Christmas Eve. Christmas is on a Monday next year. May think about doing the same as this year - two on Christmas Eve and one on Christmas... because I only get Monday off next year... but then, I could take Tuesday off. Oh well, if I'm really lucky... I can retire this next year... but I don't see that happening. sigh.
Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV): "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
It truly is sad in that most people keep their thoughts on all the gift-giving and receiving - and none of their thoughts turn to the REASON we celebrate this day. It's just a day of giving and receiving gifts. And it is sad. I suppose I could even blame it on my parents' generation... I don't remember Christ being celebrated on Christmas. I DO remember our church always handed out a small plastic bag in which was an orange, an apple, 3-4 walnuts in the shell, some of those candies... can't think what they are called, but they are chocolate with a white cream filling - like a kiss, only a minty type taste. Daggone it - what were they called! I think Cracker Barrel store has them - maybe Hobby Lobby too. I don't remember where I've seen them now. But everyone in the church would get a bag every year - I think it is because for some, that is all they would receive for Christmas. I know I always looked forward to it and it is a pleasant memory.
And yes, we heard about Jesus and His birth that Sunday closest to Christmas... but Christmas day, it was always about the gifts. I remember on my 14th Christmas I begged for a cedar chest, aka hope chest. When we opened gifts, I was so disappointed for I only received two gifts, and I don't remember what they were. It wasn't the number of gifts, we never did get much and usually always clothes. (which is probably why I always go overboard on my family) I remember my step-father and a couple of my brothers getting up and going out the front door - and they came back in with my cedar chest -which I still have. It has stored many of my children's lives in that chest ... and I have given them most if not all of those memories I kept for them. I probably need to go through it again and get rid of more things... or decide what to do with them.
You have probably figured out that I am one for memories. If you think about it, memories are proof that you existed. Family is your witness that you lived. Ah... this is not the day to think of memories past, but of memories to be made.
Today I'm looking forward to special memories made with my middle child, my oldest son, and his family. Some I have not seen - nor heard from - since last Christmas. No guilt trips for anyone... but some day they may regret not keeping in touch. I laugh when I read my son's blog and he has mentioned missing his kids or not seeing them often. I get it. Which is why I love my times when we get invited out to a meal or to do something. He gets it now too.
So with all my ramblings today, I need to finish up here and go fix breakfast. It seems odd not to be rushing about to get everything ready. But, it also gives us time to be quiet and reflect on what this day is for. Celebrating the birth of Jesus. I was supposed to preach this morning but the person I covered for the other week is taking this morning. And I'm ok with that. It would have been hard to get a message pulled together when it's been a busy few days here lately.
Hope that this Christmas day brings you lots of memories to hold in your heart. It is the little things that some people may think of as 'nothing'.... that you will find, are precious memories as time goes by. Hold on to them, and they will always bring you joy.
Merry Christmas!
Abundant Blessings!
Happy Birthday, Jesus!
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