I'm sure it's true for almost everyone who celebrates Christmas--no matter how early you start to prepare, the last few days end up being hectic and so very busy. Somehow there always seems to be one last gift to purchase, one last trip to the grocery store. Then there was a much needed haircut, a rehearsal for the Christmas Eve service, a trip to school for a holiday breakfast, an annual Christmas breakfast with a friend, but for once, no last minute wrapping marathon!
I saved four days to bake this year and ended up substitute teaching all four of them. I enjoyed doing it, but had to put in a long day of baking to finish all the cookies for the cookie trays we give out each year.
Sarah and Adam were supposed to arrive here on Monday night, but like so many travelers this season, they missed their connecting flight due to delays. They had to spend the night in the Newark airport and were unable to get on a stand-by flight Tuesday morning. (There were no cars available to rent.) So Tracy left early Tuesday morning to pick them up. They arrived in time for dinner Tuesday night tired but in good spirits. Thank goodness their connecting flight was New Jersey rather than Chicago or Detroit which would have been so much more difficult.
Yesterday we baked miniature mint chocolate cupcakes for today's dinner, delivered cookie trays to friends and neighbors, and attended our always beautiful 11:00 Christmas Eve Service. We've opened our gifts and stockings, and are taking some quiet time before Tracy's family arrives at 4:00 for dinner and more gift exchange. This year there will be 19 of us; everyone is here from out of town except Tracy's brother, Scott & family, who live in Arizona.
I have completed several pages (in a rather random order) for my Christmas Journal, but decided not to upload them until I have pages in chronological order. I have notes, photos, and ideas for most days and hope to be caught up in a few days time.
Hope you and yours are enjoying a blessed Christmas.
