Good Monday morning, my friends! And Merry Christmas! All our planning, decorating, ordering, purchasing, wrapping, and cooking came together most joyfully last week as our family gathered to celebrate all things Christmas. If you have nothing better to do, or want to find an excuse to take a break from what you are doing, pour a cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa and settle in for a bit. Our Christmas began Tuesday evening, with the arrival of Peyton and Christopher! We were so blessed to have them join us this year, making all nine of us together at Christmas.
Christmas Eve was cloudy and mild, which beats sunny and mild in my book! If there is no snow, then at least it looks possible! Christmas Eve, my favorite day of the year, always seems to pass too quickly. In any case, we made the most of every single minute. Early in the morning, I lit the Christmas Eve candle. We light this special candle only on this one day every year. The day passed with last-minute wrapping, coffee on the couch, and preparations for Christmas Eve Mass.
Mass was beautiful, and the choir sang all the beautiful Christmas songs that immediately took me back to Christmas as a child, sitting in the pew with my sisters, our parents on each end. The memories brought tears to my eyes, but hearing my momma's distinct voice in my heart saying, "Merry Christmas, Billie Jo!" gave me an immediate sense of peace. After mass, we all went to Madison and Nicolas' home for the traditional Danish Christmas celebration! Since Nicoals is from Denmark, he shares with us the beautiful traditions of his home country. He and Madison had the most lovely Christmas Eve for us all.
They cooked and served a traditional Danish Christmas meal of roast duck, boiled potatoes, and red cabbage, along with green beans and savory bread pudding. It was all delicious.
We exchanged our Secret Santa gifts by the fire, and I was amazed at how well we all know each other and how thoughtful each family member is when choosing a gift for their Secret Santa. Rhett had Flynn, and he got her a framed print of her favorite movie, Interstellar. She was thrilled! And then, he asked her to close her eyes, and he played a personalized Christmas message to her from her favorite YouTuber, Killdozer! He is a YouTuber who takes on various food challenges. She was beyond shocked! We all were!
Flynn had my name, and to say I was shocked is an understatement. I had no idea, and when I saw what she gifted me, I was so touched! Flynn is a very talented artist, and she used that to create my Christmas gifts, original paintings of my Mocha and Cosmo! I love them! And, they are already hung up on the wall.
One of Nicolas' favorite Danish traditions is singing around the Christmas tree. He and Madison got a real Christmas tree and placed some pretty candles on it that Nicolas' mom sent from Denmark. We all joined hands and circled the tree singing Christmas carols. It was so fun!
We also played Pakkeleg, a Danish game in which you roll dice to collect and steal gifts. We each brought several exchange gifts, and it was so fun!
It was a wonderful, festive Christmas Eve!
Christmas morning was quiet and cozy, as I was awake early to enjoy and prepare. I had Christmas coffee by the tree, then made some fruit salad and muffins. Eventually, everyone woke up, and we enjoyed our traditional Christmas-morning brunch.
For years and years, we have had a My Grandma's Chocolate Chip coffee cake. Recently, Peyton has made the most delicious homemade cinnamon rolls, and this year I found a new muffin recipe. We also had fruit salad, Steve's scrambled eggs, assorted juices, and coffee.
After brunch, we spent the rest of Christmas Day opening presents, snacking on a delicious cheese-and-cracker spread Kyrstin had prepared, watching football, and eating Christmas dinner.
Dinner was prime rib, mashed potatoes, carrots, macaroni and cheese, and dessert was gingerbread tiramisu. And I can claim no credit for this meal! I know my limits, and this year I decided to have a meal made by an outstanding chef here in town. It was well worth it, having only to heat it up and serve!
And that was Christmas 2025. I feel blessed beyond measure and thankful for the peace God gives me in each season of my life. I used to worry about what Christmas would be like when my little ones were grown, but now, in this season of having adult children, I am happy, content, and at peace. And thankful. And filled with Christmas joy.
And let's be honest. I am tired! That must be why God gives us children when we are young. I am going to take a lovely Christmas-week nap now. And then, have some cookies and watch a Christmas show. That is what this week is all about!
Merry Christmas one more time, my friends!
Have a cozy afternoon!
Billie Jo
