Today Maria, Zac, Claire, and I went to see "Disney On Ice." What a treat! From the very beginning when all of the characters from Cars came out to the final number with Tinker Bell figuring out what she could do best and finally getting her wings, it was a fun-filled, appealing extravaganza with something for everyone. The skaters were very good, they were into what they were doing, and they put on a great show. The costuming was well-done with clever touches and a lot of flowing, beautiful designs. From the skaters there were a lot of smiles and waves for the children in the audience, and that wins over not only the kids, but also the grownups. In the crowd there were a lot of princesses in all of the assorted Disney princess dresses, and the souvenir vendors were right there if you needed a wand or some wings or any of several assorted light twirling contraptions designed to delight any child. Thanks, Disney, for a well-planned show and for a delightful afternoon.

Christmas Letters

Perhaps the most special part of the whole Christmas celebration is receiving Christmas cards and letters from friends both here and all over the country. Each day it's exciting to read all about the families with whom we've shared so much through the years. The accompanying pictures bring us up-to-date on the family members and sometimes on some of the events they've celebrated during the past year. The love we feel and the connections we have are refreshed and renewed. The years compress and the memories come flooding over us as we read and share in both the joys and the sorrows of the year. Hearts reach across the distance of both time and space to bring us together to connect with love at this special moment in time. Christmas happens for all of us!

Christmas Sweet Eats

Yes, I'm calling this "Christmas Sweet Eats" because that would pretty well describe the overwhelming and absolutely delicious treasure trove that we've received and are "subjecting" ourselves to eating. It's so nice to walk into the kitchen in the early a.m. and have just ONE cookie or piece of candy. Then, at mid-morning, it's time for another sugar pick-me-up. Then, some new goodies arrive, and they just can't be left "mournfully" waiting for someone to pay attention to them. Besides, it's not polite to miss tasting "new" treats. Truffles should definitely be outlawed. Their caloric range is around the 210 - 230 area. (Yes, there were some lower ones when I checked the caloric values, but they must be teeny tiny.) Is that why they're so delicious? Nuts are good for you, right? What about the ones that are sugar or chocolate coated? Hmmm. Do blonde-colored cookies contain fewer calories than the chocolate or gingerbread ones? Well, if you're really curious, come on over and we'll conduct some tasting experiments. Happy holiday eating is, as Martha would say, "a good thing."

The Myriad of “Music” at Christmas

Christmas music fills my ears with beautiful sounds and my heart with feelings that reach back through the years to family and friends that I love and who have shared in my life experiences. Christmas music reminds me of St. Paul's Midnight Service on Christmas Eve, of the Candlelight Service at Plymouth with James playing the organ, and of both the early evening Family Service and the late evening Christmas Eve service at Claremont UCC with the bells playing, Wayne singing "O Holy Night," and joining with friends and family to sing "The Hallelujah Chorus" as Christmas Day arrives. Christmas is singing "The Messiah" with family and friends through the years. It's watching all of the musical programs from the various colleges and churches across the country who open their doors for us all to share in their celebrations. It's seeing the faces of beloved family and friends in our heart's and mind's eyes, it's seeing the faces of loved ones now, and it's sharing our love with everyone around us.

"Let me not wrap, stack, box, bag, tie, tag, bundle, seal, keep Christmas. Christmas kept is liable to mold. Let me give Christmas away, unwrapped, by exuberant armfuls. Let me share, dance, live Christmas unpretentiously, merrily, responsibly with overflowing hands, tireless steps and sparkling eyes. Christmas given away will stay fresh—even until it comes again." - Jan Karon

The Most Helpful Gift of All

This says it all. The shopped for and saved treasures may be great, but how nice it is to send something that was an "ah-ha."

Wrapping Christmas Presents

Every year I shop for Christmas presents all year long. When I see something that I think is perfect for a friend or a family member, I buy it and stash it away in my "Christmas closet." A few years ago, it became "closets." Sometimes I would buy something that I thought would make a perfect gift, only to realize that I truly wanted it for myself. Hmmmm. "Self-gifting" is something many of us have to deal with at one time or another. So, I've gotten more honest. I've kept a few items that I realize dazzled my eyes because I really wanted them. Have I given gifts that I would have loved to have had? Yes! That's also part of the whole experience - giving gifts to those you love, both friends and family, and anticipating the genuine pleasure that your gift may bring. They truly are part of the giver. They come from the heart. That's why I can't wait to get out the year's treasure trove and wrap the gifts with excitement, anticipation, and love.

Luke's Baptism

Sunday Butch baptized Luke Jacob and Luke's cousin Zoe. Luke recognized Butch and stared at him the whole time. Zoe wasn't too sure about the wet hand on her head. Many family members and friends were there for the service and we were all smiling. It was a wonderful day to share with our families and our faith community. These two precious children, and their siblings, are gifts that we love and cherish. How fortunate we all are!