Christmas

Christmas is over and it was lovely. Yes, I know, it is still December 25, but our Christmas ends after brunch on Christmas day. We have a soup supper on Christmas eve, gifts and brunch on the morning of the day -- then the young couples are off to our sons-in-law's families for their celebrations.

We had lovely gifts -- gift certificates to stores that I love, a fabulous box similar to one I had admired from Lesley, custom gift towels from my mom, and thoughtfully chosen remembrances from friends and relatives -- great food and a house sparkling with all of the Christmas decorations. We had visits from friends who joined us for a glass of wine and a nibble. This is the time of year we are sure to stock fancy beers, sparkling cider, and good wine and hope that people will drop by to help us enjoy them.

The best part of the holiday for Alex and I, however, is that our family is together. If your children and your extended family are close enough for you to see them often, please understand that you enjoy a blessing beyond words. Our siblings and my mother are in Nevada and Southern California. Our oldest daughter is across the country. We see them a couple of times a year at best. Luckily, Nancy and Ryan are now right here in Sacramento, and we do get to spend time with them often. Mom was here for Thanksgiving and Lesley and Tim were here for Christmas. These visits are very precious to us.

Les and Tim arrived Tuesday and we all met Nancy and Ryan for dinner at a favorite Mexican restaurant that evening. It is such a pleasure to have our four young people together. They are interesting, intelligent, and attractive. Alex and I enjoy their company and are very proud to be seen in public with our brood. We want to tell everyone "These are our kids! Look at them! Aren't they marvelous?" Even without the gifts and the music and the food and the decorations, Christmas would be my favorite time because we are all together. I'm not claiming everything is perfect -- we always have some logistics issues -- but it is good. Very good.