All is calm, All is bright

I may never grow up...

With just the two of us for Christmas Eve, we decided on a diet splurge and ordered pizza and opened a bottle of bubbles. Not very fancy, but quite a treat nonetheless. Christmas programs had been specially saved on the PVR. First a bit of Charlie Brown; then, my favourite, “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer”! I hadn’t noticed in previous years, but I was suddenly struck by the fact that the background colour was the same shade as the green on our walls! How strange. Was that a pure coincidence? Or perhaps some sub-conscious choice that brings me back to childhood?

Christmas morning dawned bright and wickedly cold, –25C in spots. But the roads were good with not much traffic as we made our way into town for more family fun, and yes, feasting.

First stop was Mom &  Dad’s where we opened stockings and then feasted on Christmas Morning Wife Saver and leftover lefse & lutefisk. OMG – full.

Next stop was Carm’s sister’s. His mom and some of his nephews were there as well. As we came in the door they were just about to sit down to lunch – the table was groaning under the weight of all the food. I stuck with just a few of Carm’s mom’s homemade cannelloni and a bit of salad. And dessert. OMG – now I really couldn’t move! It was a fun visit.

Home… the dogs and Grace were happy to see us and get their dinners. And we were happy to change into some looser clothes ;-)

As soon as everyone was fed we opened the special presents that have been under the tree for a few weeks. We were touched to find homemade socks and scarf in the packages. How very thoughtful, and we’ll think of the givers each time we wear them.

 

The rest of the night was spent on the sofa, Skyping with my brother Olaf, Tammy and Freya, and talking on the phone with Kirsten. That’s the best we could do for the NZ folks. Watching the “Sound of Music”, another Christmas tradition, ended off our night.

Cue music or this one …

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace