I know you’re probably busy with all manner of Christmas Celebratory Activities, so I won’t keep you long. Just wanted to share a few photos and wish you a Merry Christmas.
Yesterday, we visited Nathan and Meagan’s church to see Madison in the Christmas program. She did an excellent job reciting a Bible passage.
Proud mom and brother listening.
After church, we went to IHOP for lunch.
When we finished eating, we thought we would get a festive family photo in front of the tree in the lobby–except for that the tree barely showed up so it was less festive than we had hoped.
This morning, Sarah and Gage sent photos from the Long Family celebration.
And here are a few vintage Christmas photos to warm the heart.
Last night, we went to a Christmas service at the church we’ve been attending. Steve had to get there an hour early to rehearse with the band. Since I was waiting in the car, I was able to snap a photo of him on the way in.
It was good to gather with other people and sing the beloved Christmas carols that we all know and love. Although I’ve been a little down this season, I have been comforted by the memories, carols, and centuries-old traditions. It is such a beautiful season and I wish you all of its best gifts.
A blessed Christmas to each of you, my dear Smithellaneous friends.
What about you?
What experience from the past or from today stands out to you?
What was your favorite Christmas gift–today or from years ago?
A belated Merry Christmas to you and your family! My Christmas was pretty low key. I attended church services at my church. Services start at 11:00 pm and end at midnight with the ringing of the chimes. It’s always a beautiful service. Near the end the congregation sings Silent Night by candlelight and then Joy to the World. I sat with a classmate from my Sunday School class, her husband and daughter. Her daughter is 24 and has Down’s syndrome. She loves to sing and exudes joy. Her mom is quick to point out that she’s not always happy like some people might think.
Yesterday morning I went to the nursing facility my parents have resided at for over two years. This is their third Christmas there and I admit I have been a little down this year myself. The nursing facility does a great job celebrating Christmas. Each resident gets one or two gifts. I was there for that and helped my mom open her gifts. Once they went to lunch, I came home and watched the Chiefs lose to the Raiders. BOO!
This morning I counted offering as the lead counter for these four months works on Tuesdays so wasn’t able to count today.
Looks like Madison did a great job with her part in the program.
Phyllis,
I know spending Christmas in a nursing facility, regardless of how well your parents are treated, has got to be difficult. I’m sure you remember all the Christmases from years past; change is so difficult, especially as we see our parents growing older and all of those old traditions fade.
I think it’s so good your friend shared with you what she did about her daughter with Down syndrome not being happy all the time. So often there are many misconceptions and it’s helpful to hear from a mom’s real-life experience.
Your midnight service sounds gorgeous; I know you love that tradition.
Merry Christmas Becky. Some years are definitely harder than others. Wishing you strength, hope and peace as the new year rolls in.
Lesley,
Thank you for your sweet words. Holidays are both joyful and hard, sometimes.
We were on vacation when our choir had their musical. We watched it today on Youtube and it was beautiful, but it really makes a difference when you can be there in person. My husband and I have noticed that it seems that many churches do not have children’s programs anymore. I was so happy to hear that Madison read some scripture and saw other children doing their part. I hope this does not go away in churches. We have a very large church and one time the kids choir sang at Christmas time but that was about 5 years ago. Such wonderful memory filled pictures.
We had a strange Christmas – winter wise. No snow and in the 50’s and it rained all day today. But am assuming that will change – it always does!!
Thanks again for sharing.
Sharyn,
My sister, Debbie, was telling me their Christmas day was also in the 50’s. She said she would have liked snow but at least the driving conditions were nice and safe!
I always love a children’s Christmas program. Few things any more precious.
We are trying out a new church since we moved and I am really struggling. We attended the lessons and carols service last evening and it was beautiful but I just can’t get through church without crying. I miss our church terribly. It’s the same denomination but it just isn’t the same. I know it won’t be and I’m really trying but it made for a sad Christmas Eve for me. I’m hoping next year will be better.
Today was great though. We got to spend it with most of the family and it SNOWED!!!! YAY!!!
Trying to focus on the real reason for the season and all of our blessings.
Merry Christmas to you all!!💖🎄
LeeAnne,
Yes, I know how hard it is to leave one church and start attending another. You feel like you will NEVER get used to it. But as you said, a year (or even six months) can make a huge difference. You’ll look back at this Christmas and be grateful for how far you’ll have come. Hang in there!
And how great is it to have snow? Hooray!
Merry Christmas. I think your festive photo is great with the big star very visible above you all.
Too many past memories to return to so my best memory of today is that my husband listened and got me the pruning shears I said I wanted for Christmas, even though he thought it wasn’t a good gift. He also got me a huge box of hand warmers as my hands get cold often and I am heading to Montreal for a trip in January.
Patti,
Yeah, I guess we did have start sticking out to add to the festive photo. 🙂
How great that your husband listened and you got exactly what you wanted. Happy pruning! Enjoy your Montreal trip with your wonderful hand warmers.
Wishing you and yours a Blessed Christmas.
Thank you, Sue Ellen. And to you!
So proud of your granddaughter (who is SO TALL now!!) for being able to stand up in front of so many people and speak!
Sarah looks at home and accepted with Gage’s family. I know that makes your Mama Heart happy. 🙂
I’ve never been big on superstition, but in 2013 I said I was glad to see the year go away and then my mom died just weeks later. So I’m not sad 2023 is almost over, but it’s been a very strange year. I think we (my friends/family) were expecting 2023 to be “back to normal” aka “like things were before Covid” — but now I know we will never be the same as we were then.
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Stefanie,
That’s so true that many of us were hoping that 2023 would be the year that COVID stopped affecting us so much. And yet, it continues. But I’m sure grateful it’s not as bad as in 2020/2021. THAT was a rough year!
Yes, I love that Sarah is so well loved and welcomed with the Long family. She just fits right in!
Merry Christmas Becky, to you and your family! It’s been a weird season for me as well. Christmas has always been my favorite time of year but this year, I’m just not really feeling it. Friday marked a year since my oldest brother died. We hadn’t been close or really even in contact at all for many many years but his last few days and his death hit me so hard. On the 13th we had to put my beloved kitty to rest. I realized that we got her right around the same time of the month as we lost her, just 17 years before. I’m having issues with my ovary and will be having surgery tomorrow to remove it. We’ll also find out if it’s cancer or not. I have a bad feeling about it but I’m trying hard to stay super positive and leaning into God.
I hope y’all are having a wonderful day celebrating Jesus! I plan to! I’ve loved following you and your family all these many years! Much love to all of you! 💜
Lizz,
There’s a lot going on in your life; no wonder this Christmas season has been so difficult. It’s hard enough losing a family member but especially when that anniversary falls right near Christmas.
And you had your kitty for 17 years? We had Snowy for about 13 years and I thought I’d never get over her death. My heart goes out to you over the loss of this dear pet.
And on top of all of that, an ovarian surgery! Please let us know how things went. Hugs.