Merry Christmas!

Our Christmas's change from year to year, depending on circumstances. I remember the extreme joy of those childhood Christmas's, with visits to Santa, opening presents, participating in church and school Christmas pageants . . . . But then I remember years when the excitement level was dim. Santa had left the building, the gifts were often necessities and clothing, and the holiday was missing little children to add that particular 'something'! There were a few years when I don't think I discovered the joy of Christmas. Some years were wonderful, while others were almost sad. One year, my grandmother died the week before Christmas and her funeral was Christmas Eve. I know everyone out there in cyberland has a story like that because for some reason, I lot of ill people die in December. But with age comes a little bit of wisdom, and I can usually figure out now how to rekindle that special flame whatever the circumstances.

Here are a few glimpses from my Christmas past.



I'm fairly sure I slept through this Christmas! I'm the baby, so it was Baby's First Christmas.

I'm probaby two in this picture with my brother. I can tell it's Christmas because my grandmother always bought me a velvet dress or jumper for Christmas every year. I think the big brand was a Kate Greenway -- or something like that.

These were the 'wonder years'. Here I'm at my grandparents with Cousin Rob and my brother Larry. We're all petting our presents.


I can't figure out where my brother is! But from the hairdo and dress, I was definitely in high school at the time. My brother probably wasn't home for college break yet. There's a Christmas tree in the background, but not ours. So I'm guessing my parents and I were at some civic or church event.




I love this picture of my parents clowning around on Christmas Eve at my brother's house in Kansas City. We were married by then, but no babies! But we seemed to be having a great time even without any little kids to up the excitement level.

And here's Michael. His second Christmas and there's still no love lost for the man with the big white beard! But I'm sure he was much happier on Christmas morning!

Christmas at my parents house -- age 3! When Michael sat on Santa's lap that year, he choked and told him all he wanted was books for Christmas. That box is definitely not books!

Christmas in Omaha, age 4. Ready to open gifts!

So, life changes and Christmas evolves. If we're lucky, we adapt to find joy in all the moments! Here's wishing that all of you find that 'special something' this Christmas!

Feliz Navidad! Merry Christmas! Mele Kalikimaka!

As Tiny Tim said, "God Bless Us Everyone!"