The Christmas season started for us especially early this year because the first week of November was spent with my sister and brother-in-law (Sherry and John) in Branson, Missouri where we did a bunch of Christmas related things: Andy William's Christmas Show (front row, center), Silver Dollar City, Trail of Lights, a musical adaptation of "A Christmas Carol," and the Gatlin Brothers/Debby Boone Christmas concert. It was a fun time and really put us in the right spirit.
We started listening to Christmas music as soon as we got home, including the CDs we had bought of the Gatlins and Pure Heart (from Silver Dollar City). Andy and Debby Christmas music we already had. One especially nice day was spent listening to Pure Hart's Christmas songs while we prepared the LifeSharer letter for mailing -- and while Gilbert and Michael finished putting in the front windows.
Then Claire took two days to decorate the house. It looked dazzling. We then put the nativity figures on the lawn and I put the lights on the house. We also decorated my Mom's room in the nursing home.
Next were the "official" Christmas parties: 2 lunches out; one fancy lunch in (5 guests); the Aylward girls' tea (5 guests); Christmas Eve breakfast (about 20 guests) and 6 dinner parties (33 guests total). There was also one "Santa run" event where we took the party to friends who can't get out too easily.
Christmas Day dinner was a gala event. We hosted 16 that day.
Particularly festive and rewarding this year were the presentations of a Christmas "When Swing Was King." We presented the program at 9 different facilities! Great fun and warm-hearted inspiration.
Of course, the season also involved reading, Christmas movies, music, one day of shopping, the December Vital Signs Board meeting, writing a Christmas-themed LifeSharer letter, Christmas sermons, and many visits with Mom.
And then last night was our annual Epiphany party (6 guests) with its traditions and reflective spirit to close out the Christmas season.
Christmas 2010 was really quite special. Thank You, Lord for friends, family, traditions, the wonders of the season and the even more splendid wonders of Your grace. Thank You for being Emmanuel, the Good Shepherd Who laid down Your life for we sheep.
