Some weeks, it takes some thought to come up with a list of five favorite things. Christmas week, though, usually overflows with blessings. I’m joining Susanne and friends at Living to Tell the Story to cultivate gratefulness with these weekly observations.
1. Jeremy home! My oldest son flew in from RI with no problems or delays.
2. Christmas Concert. We enjoyed the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Concert last Saturday evening.
3. Christmas Eve Service. Our church doesn’t usually meet Christmas Eve, but they decided to this year for just a short time of singing carols and hearing Scripture. To be honest, my first thought was that was a busy time for a service . . . but the pie was assembled that afternoon and most of the other Christmas necessities were taken care of before and after. It turned out to be an enjoyable service.
4. Christmas Day, of course. We were blessed to have all the family here. We had a breakfast feast and then a reading of the Christmas story, followed thoughtful gifts and cards, then a mid-afternoon lunch/dinner, with dessert in the evening.
5. Family time. Jesse was able to get several days off while Jeremy was here, and Jason, Mittu, and Timothy have been over a lot as well. We went to Jason’s one night for dinner and will go to Jesse’s another night. I love the conversations, the catching up, the games, and all.
Bonus: Pockets of quiet time. As much as I love my family, I get strung out when there’s constant activity. Having a few hours unexpected hours of quiet here and there has rejuvenated me to enjoy the times together.
Happy New Year, friends!
Stray Thoughts 
You had a full, lovely week! So wonderful to see your family all together. Our church didn’t have a Christmas Eve service. I miss those. Have a wonderful week and a very Happy New Year!
What a nice Christmas! I love that all your family was there. The concert looks so nice. I totally hear ya on savoring any little bits of quiet time you can find in the midst of all the activity 🙂
A wonderful Christmas! Thank you for sharing the photos. Blessings! 🙂
It sounds like a wonderful Christmas with all your loved ones. I agree, I need a few pockets of quiet time, too, to get through it all! Merry Christmas.
It looks like you had a wonderful Christmas filled with family and feast and good music and Scriptures! I’m thankful I had Christmas night to my self…..i love having both of my girls over and all the chatter with hubby but he fell alseep after our early evening dessert and I had time to just sit by the tree in the dim light and just reflect on the day before reading a good book.
Happy New Year, Barbara!!
Sounds like an idyllic Christmas week, Barbara. Love that family photo at the concert. It is such a blessing to have your family assembled together and enjoying each other’s company (and meals!). That bonus is a special blessing indeed.
Merry Christmas and happy New Year!
What a great Christmas week. All the family together is the best.
I think I would love the Christmas orchestra, too. (that photo with ‘someone’ giving Timothy bunny ears!)
Having a bit of quiet time is a blessing too.
Happy New Year! Willow
I celebrated Christmas on the 21st because my son with family had to go to his MIL on one side and his FIL on the other side of Holland ! It didn’t bother me, since Rick is gone I don’t care anymore. On New Year we celebrated a bit together here in my retirement home and then I went early to bed. I didn’t even watch the firework.