The stocking's were hung ...

The Christmas trunk was opened ...

The stockings were hung. Well, some of them at least. As the older ones begin to move out and start families of their own, the stockings go with them. Just as it was meant to be.

 

A few of my trees.

Several years back, my aunt in Canada sent me old Christmas cards that my mom had sent her over the years. Recently I opened the album they were in and pulled them out to look at them. I flipped them over and saw that each of them had personal messages on the back. My mom's handwriting. My mom's words from days gone by. A true gift in these days.

My Santa's.

My first Christmas. Actually, my first Christmas card picture. I spent Christmas that year in the hospital with pneumonia. The Nativity set was purchased in the gift shop in the hospital lobby by my grandmother. I treasure that set. And, yes, yes I do know Jesus is missing. In our house we don't place him in the creche till Christmas Eve.

And so it begins.

Joy. Peace. Hope. Promise.

Christmas 2012