Currently Listening A Christmas Album By Michael Crawford see related

Before I get to the main post, another quote from FM#2.  We had come home Christmas Eve from church services and were busy trying to get baths and such for the kids, after opening presents from Grandmommy -- brand new matching pajamas for Christmas morning.  I came out of the bathroom and the lights were dimmed throughout the house and the Christmas tree blazed in all its glory.  FM#2 owned up to turning off/dimming the house lights. A little bit later as I was supervising FM#2's bath, he said, "Mommy, don't you think the Christmas tree looks more delightful when the rest of the lights are off?"  Yes, I do.

Now to the story of no gifts.  Finally, some saneness has raised it's head among my siblings.  It has finally been decided that we will not exchange gifts among the siblings.  So I didn't have to search and search for something unusual but within my budget for 6 adults who have tons of money and buy themselves whatever they want.  I'm not saying they do nothing but shop and acquire but if they want it, they have the means to get it.  And not think twice about it.  This also means that my Beloved and I did not receive gifts and bring home all sorts of stuff, that while fun, we don't really need.  Although, I do enjoy those UGG boots on really cold days.  And, we did get a few gifts.  Some had already been purchased before this voice of reason raised it's head.  I got a cookbook from the Houston Humane Society.  Food and animals -- couldn't be better.  One sister also gave me a shirt she had already bought and it may become my favorite -- fun design and soft.  One brother-in-law had also already bought a copy of one book for every adult male in the family and the sister that is his wife decided I needed a gift -- she wrapped up some paperback novels she had already read. She usually just hands them to me in a sack.  I thought it was the funniest thing she's ever done! 

And then the sister who gave me the shirt had some things in her car that they were getting rid of that she gave to us.  A digital camera for one.  Yes, they've upgraded and were just going to give it away.  So while we have one digital camera that we love, we now also have a throw down one.  It may go with us to rocket launches since a cell phone was almost lost at the last one.   This sister also gave us a massaging chair cushion they were getting rid of because they've bought a massage chair.  If it works well, I may never get out of seat.

But all in all, we came home with way less stuff than we normally do.  It was such a relief.  And one niece even asked for no presents, just donations to benefit children or animals.  We gave a donation to a local shelter for children in crisis.  What a joy to do something like this for a teenager who already has everything.

It was a much nicer Christmas than I was expecting with 3 children and a husband having colds.  Dinner was late but the natives were patient with me and what there was of it was scrumptious -- turkey (cooked and sliced on Saturday and then stored in its juice), ham, sweet potatoes, salad, and cheesy, garlic pull apart bread with pecan pie for dessert.  It was just our family with my in-laws and my parents.  I actually pulled out the crystal and the silver for the adults and it was quite lovely.  I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and may Grace and Peace reign in your house in the coming New Year.  This is my prayer for my house and for you also.