I hope you are having a wonderful Christmas season!
God is good, no matter what…
Christmas Day, which was quieter than those of the past few years, as our children with families were elsewhere:
I guess I was more intent on the timer and getting the dog out of my spot than on the settings that keep the photo from being blurry:
Not pictured: After the first round of presents, while the Chief and I were at Mass singing in the choir, the boys (actually, let's be honest here, grown men with legit jobs and responsibilities, and nary an actual boy in sight), and Bridget I suppose, pulled out the (old) Legos and built incredibly intricate creations. Then they found the old Knights of Columbus ceremonial sword belonging to Grandpa back in the day (absolutely nothing to do with Christmas other than that I happened to have propped it in a corner in the room, by the piano, as one does) to liven up our subsequent unwrapping.
Do we look tired? Yes, yes we do.
Natasha sent these beautiful napkins, and Habou gave me the runner — both of which go so well in the dining room. (We did rectify the faulty fold of the napkins, which turned the beautiful monogram on its side. But did not take another picture.)
When I was thrifting for presents, I found these, which I had been coveting, to add to my enamel cup collection, so opportune for little children:
Then it was time for some cousin action, as Deirdre's family and Rosie's family made it to the Manse, in trickling fashion, as the days of Christmas marched on.
From the Introduction to John Saward's Cradle of Redeeming Love:
In the liturgy of His Church, the eternal Word incarnate works wonders with the calendar. The things He accomplished in the past once and for all He brings into the present with all their vital force, so that the Church can in truth sing on every Christmas Day: ‘This day the King of Heaven has deigned to be born of a Virgin.' Since Christ rose from the tomb, time has ceased merely to run away into death. ‘This is the Holy One', says St. Bernard, ‘who is not suffered to see corruption, this is the New Man who can never become old, who brings into true newness of life those whose bones have all grown old.'…
The flesh that God took, He keeps, and the deeds He did in time live on. The Redeemer of man is the redeemer of time (cf Eph 5:16).
M. says
The photos of you dear family, especially of the sweet grandchildren, are uplifting and comforting. Thank you for sharing a peek into your home at Christmas. God bless.
Leila says
Thank you, M!
Jess says
Glad you are back! This blog fills me with so much peace and joy.
Leila says
Aw, thanks, Jess!
Allison says
Thank you for sharing a bit of Christmas at your house! It’s always a bright spot in the day when I get a notification that you lovely ladies have posted something. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you!
Leila says
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Allison!
Emily says
You do not look tired, you look gorgeous. I love those colors on you!
Leila says
Well, thanks, Emily! You are kind 🙂
Debbie Ramsey says
Love your posts! I so miss {p,h.f.r}, but completely understand the time element involved. We celebrated the Twelve Days of Christmas this year for the first time! My daughter, who is in 4th grade and goes to a wonderful Catholic school, asked if we could do it. I was skeptical at first, thinking she would cave into the secular pressure and want to put up the tree before Christmas Eve, but she didn’t, and I’m so proud of her! It has been a wonderful 12 days, and we are planning on ending it with chalking our door frame on the Epiphany. Thank you so much for your wonderful blog. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Auntie Leila!
Leila says
Yes, Debbie, it was just getting to be hard for us to do {phfr} and I think that people aren’t blogging as much as they were 5 or so years ago. But we still try to keep the basic idea!
Your daughter is great! Well done!
Stephanie says
The sword…lol…so great! And I just love the pics of cousin time with the happy auntie helping. Merry Christmas!
Leila says
Merry Christmas, Stephanie!
Sonja Maierhauser says
Thank you for the lovely photos. I especially liked seeing the children gazing at cookies, the fire, anything but screens!
Leila says
Thanks, Sonja!
Bley says
I love that picture of your “boys” and Bridget. So lovely to think that my family will one day look that grown-up too.
Leila says
Thanks, Bley! I love seeing them together too — it was nice having “just them”, my unmarrieds, home together!
Mrs T says
This post, these pictures, are so comforting. They give me a sense of peace while I am currently knee deep in night nursing, potty trainings and adolescent attitudes. It’s like a peek into the future. At least I hope.
Hope your family had a blessed Christmas.