We both awoke early, as we usually do. Getting up first, I brought hubby's stocking out and put on his chair while he was getting up. I really did buy too much junk food (aka snacks). Once hubby got our coffee, we settled in the front room and I found a 'fireplace burning' on You Tube and hubby started passing out our gifts for each other. My big brother had sent me some gifts so I opened those first. He had me laughing. I love that he gave me a diamond art project with a fireplace and a Christmas tree. That will be a project to complete and have hanging on my wall next year!
Hubby got me nearly everything I had on my 'list' for him to look at. I got tennis shoes, socks, 4-5 work out shirts, a sweater that I would consider putting in the 'ugly sweater contest' as I don't see myself wearing it (at all) much, lots of dark chocolate (as each year I try to say (and mean) I am cutting back on junk food, gift card, a red hoodie, another pullover jacket, well, I am drawing a blank, but I got a lot of nice things from hubby. He seemed to like all he got as well. He especially liked the Fitbit I got him. Morgan was glad I got him one; he complains every time with the Spade he has. He was surprised and excited, and asked if I'd help him get it set up today.
We did go to the 2PM Christmas Eve service at our church yesterday. Finally wore a dress that I had bought last summer - it's long and it's red. :-) Paired with a black sweater and shoes, it matched my plaid purse. :-) Afterwards I decided I wasn't cooking, so we went to Olive Garden for dinner. It was a nice dinner and I got a couple $6 meals to bring home. Was going to give one to Ms. Vicky, but forgot to take it to her last night. Yes, I finally made it over to visit last night. She was very happy to see me.
My daughter gets discharged from rehab about 10AM today. She plans to rest today... but we will see how that goes. LOL I'm sure the daughter and granddaughter will be over to visit before the day is out - they may even decided to do their Christmas tonight. They all will be over here tomorrow around 5-ish I'm thinking - and we'll open gifts with them. Saturday with my oldest son, and Sunday evening with the youngest. My favorite time is spending it with my children.
Which reminds me, I received a package last night and I didn't know who it was from. The card read (something like) "To an AMAZING mom, time got away from me but love reminded me. Merry Christmas." - I checked with all three of my children and it wasn't them - and as I checked with the last one, I remembered my adopted daughter in Georgia... and sure enough, it was from her. We usually send cookies to each other in December - but as you know, my December was sorta turned upside down this year - and I totally forgot to send cookies. She did too - except I got these delicious cookies (of course I ate one!) yesterday. So sweet she remembered me. I will bake a batch of cookies and pick up a small gift for her and send this next week or so. Time truly got away from me as well.
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV): For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Today is the day we celebrate the birth of Christ. I wonder how many will even pause to think of Him today. Will we all be so busy with our unwrapping and gift giving, meal preparations, that we forget about the REASON we even celebrate this day? I pray not. Hubby and I have retreated to our separate areas to spend time with Jesus this morning. Of course if my kids were coming over today, I'd probably also be in the kitchen. But with no one coming over, we have the entire day to do whatever. ($10 says we will probably watch a Christmas movie sometime today) But now that our gifts are opened, it's time for Jesus. Afterwards, I'll fix breakfast for us. Then I still have salsa to make and another batch of breads to make .
I love this time alone in the room. I thought about sitting out in the front room, it was cozy with the 'fireplace' going, crackling and popping.... but I like having the door shut. Interruptions are held at a minimum.
Oh - by the way, the bed WAS cleared off last night - except for stockings.... and material. But, alas, it is starting to fill up again. Ok - soon, it will be cleaned off again. All this Christmas 'stuff' will go out in the garage. It's hard to believe this year is quickly approaching the end of 2025. I work tomorrow - if you want to call it that. My boss and I both plan to work - and save our PTO time. But, very few will be working. I still have two sets of minutes to get done so guess what I will be doing. Maybe.
And with that, I need to get off here and read a bit. Merry Christmas to you and yours. May your day be full of love, laughter, warmth, and special memories.
Blessings!
