Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to everyone. 

Tradition in our family has always been to celebrate big on Christmas Eve.  We did again last night – turkey, ham, tourtiére, rice pudding, etc, etc.  Going to the Christmas Eve Candlelight service.  Returning home to read together the Christmas story from Luke as a family.  Then opening the pile of gifts under, around and in our tree.  Last night we were 16 – all my seven children, two spouses, my mom and dad and my aunt.

The highlight of the day was my dad coming out of the long term bed at the hospital to share the evening, meal and church service with us.  Two of my boys went with Leo to pick him up from the hospital.  Rachelle contributed her expertise as a special care aide to help them transfer him from the car into the wheelchair on the main floor.  He seemed to have a great time.  It was well worth the effort it took to get him moved from place to place.  And taking him back to the hospital and leaving him there was made easy by the wonderful nursing staff who welcomed him back to his “home” there. 

This morning Leo and I got up early to be part of the early morning ‘Julötta” gathering.  This is a remnant of Swedish tradition and a bit crazy in today’s busy world on a morning when most people need to be at home with their families.  So Leo who is French Canadian brought us a devotional – drawing from his Catholic background with it’s devotion to Mary – about how God chooses ordinary people to accomplish his purposes.  Just ordinary people who hear God calling them and respond; letting God work out some amazing plans for his world.

Now all is quiet around the house.  Naps are being taken.  We have lots of leftovers and snacks so I am free from all the stuff that keeps a mother busy at this time of the year.  Tomorrow we do more entertaining.  That will be good too but for now I need the quiet. 

All has taken place at my house in such an atmosphere of happiness and peace.  My oldest son had a near miss yesterday am when he totaled their car in Saskatoon.  But he and their dog were unhurt and they were able to bring their second vehicle and get here right on schedule.  It is not always peaceful in a house with seven siblings.  These days have been – God is good.