A Day to Celebrate with family and friends

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

*************************************************************************************

In our house, it came to pass that twenty-two people gathered together to celebrate this very special day of the year.

Surrounded by laughter, by voices raised in song and joy, in sharing of love and friendship, Christmas came alive.

No need to dress to dress the turkey

C.C. Santa's little elf

Tired today. Got up early yesterday to prepare the stuffing for the bird.

Began organizing the house. the girls arose and off they went to their father's step-daughters while C.C. and I prepared the bird for the oven.

It was such a big bird it had to enter the oven earlier than any I've ever cooked before. Which meant, my Christmas bread didn't get made. The gluten free chocolate cake didn't get baked and the puff pastry appetizer didn't get cooked.

And still, there was lots of food!

In fact, we could probably have fed another 22 -- but where we would have put them is another question.

The living room before transformation

When the kids returned from their dad's, we opened presents and moved furniture around so that the living room became the dining, and the dining the living room. We set up three tables and everyone went off for a nap while I did my favourite Christmas Day activity -- decorating the table.

Jessica, a friend of the girls, has been staying with us over Christmas as her family lives in the Maritimes and she couldn't get back for the holidays. Pressed into service, she painted the final four wine glasses.

Jessica at work -- Painting Glasses

Alexis awoke from her nap and cleaned out the fridge -- thank you! It's a miracle! There's actually room to put leftovers.

The guest room was tidied up and by five o-clock when my mother and sister and her husband arrived -- we were almost ready for the festivities to begin.

And begin they did. I don't know what time they went until, but it seems everyone had a great time.

By 11:30 I was so dead tired I quietly slipped off to bed to leave Charles and the younger folk to play.... What if?

It was, a magical day. An evening of good food, wine, friendship and communion.

It was what Christmas is all about for me.

Giving and receiving.

Sharing and communing.

Being part of a circle of love that cannot be broken.