Christmastime

Here are some pics from our Christmastime. The first is of one of the many groups that has caroled at our house. People seem to do it more here. Could it have anything to do with the weather?
The next is a picture of the little party we had for our preschool. At the end, we had a Christingles service. It's a British tradition if you want to look it up. The third is Eric showing Gabe how to make funny faces into the Christmas ornaments as we decorate the tree. The last is Gabe playing an angel in the preschool play called "The Grumpy Innkeeper." The kids did a great job in spite of having only practiced the play twice and it turned out very well.


I have to admit, I kind of almost didn't want to be around to celebrate Christmas this year. This is the third year we've been away from family for the holidays and I was feeling really sad about it. I think at this time of year I remember everything about Christmases of my childhood. I remember seeing our tree with red lights as we pulled into the driveway. I remember buying $1 gifts for my siblings at the "dime store" downtown. I remember going to the city to see the Marshall Fields display. I remember going to the do-it-yourself Messiah at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. I remember mittens drying in front of the fireplace. And of course, I think of our families getting together every year to celebrate and how much we enjoy being together. I think of them getting together without us and makes me very homesick.

I tried very hard to get Eric to let us go away before Christmas so that I wouldn't have to think about it very much. But as Christmas has gotten closer, I've realized, I think I've come to terms with it. I don't like being away very much, but I think I can still enjoy the Christmas season here. I took this week and next off from work and we'll just enjoy being together and making cookies and relaxing. With so many people scattering for the holidays most of the parties are over. We'll spend some time at the orphanages (the one we work with and one that our organization works with) and then go to BKK after Christmas.