It's been a while since I last wrote. I always have many brilliant things to write of course, but I am likely thankful that most of them don't get published. I'm fool enough as it is. Although, I am embracing that fool a little more ardently lately.
Regardless, I beg the holidays as reason for my absense. And then my third sickness this season. The first two being chest colds and this one being a stomach flu. Ick!
Christmas was good. The kids were the best. Since we didn't exchange wrapped gifts among adults this year, the chitlans really were the focus. And why not? It is nice to see their joy. The VonFoht's sang at 6 p.m. Christmas Mass. The two in-law husbands guarded the under-three brigade with precision, while the original five plus two oldest nieces commenced the primary family tradition. As it should be. After Mass we change clothes and sing Silent Night while the youngest children place Baby Jesus in the manger sets around the house. We've done this every year in my memory. Well, but the year in Medjugorje. And this year my niece Myka added something new. She lit a candle and stuck it in a piece of Christmas candy. We opened the front door and sang Happy Birthday and "let Jesus blow out the candle". A good sentiment, especially from a young teen. You really have to fight to keep the reason for the season these days. Good lord, the Christmas paraphanelia was out in stores before Halloween! Instead of exchanging gifts among adults, we are pooling and donating money to Heifer International.
Despite a few internal ups and downs for me, I ultimately enjoyed the holidays- seeing old friends and spending intimate time with family. I hope that anyone who happens to be reading this had a wonderful holiday too.
Tomorrow I look forward to waking up without a fever and eating more normally.
Posted by kristen at December 28, 2005 11:00 PM