The Demarcation of Christmas

Uncategorized 2 Minutes

 

How do you know when the fourth Sunday of Advent becomes Christmas Eve when they are on the same day? I hadn’t a clue, so I left it to the liturgist, John. Maybe I slept through it, taking a nap before the midnight service. All I know is that we had four colored candles in the Advent wreath in the morning, and when I came to the supper table, they had all turned white. Grandson Nathaniel slept through it, too. In fact, he missed Christmas Eve entirely! Thankfully, we have no photos of this. Nathaniel battled a head cold for a week before flying here. He took one dose of Nyquil after our noon dinner, and he didn’t surface again until Christmas morning. John and grandson David both asked him if he would get up to go to the 11 pm service. They saw flickering eyelids and heard groans shaped like “No”. He had no recollection of it the next day.

Because some of us didn’t get to bed until 2 am, we straggled into breakfast at 8. There was no time to look at our stockings or exchange gifts. After going to church (a 45-minute drive away) and getting the dinner in the oven, we gathered around the fireplace to see what Santa had left us. When the children were little, we’d be in our pajamas when we took down our stockings. The excitement just wasn’t the same when the person handing out gifts was dressed in a three-piece suit.

IMG_0032.JPG

The two younger generations posed with the trinkets Santa gave them.

IMG_0035.JPG

After our traditional dinner of Chicken and Stuffing casserole, the fellows agreed to pose in front of the Christmas tree. This shot made me smile, because that old mischief-maker John $ was tickling those next to him. They were just about to crumple and explode with laughter.

IMG_0039.JPG

Nathaniel crowned me with cardboard that looked like a stylized halo in an ancient painting. He borrowed my camera to record this angelic moment. I don’t know if I can live up to it, or if I’ll have to live it down.

IMG_0042.JPG

Toward the end of the day, our neighbors across the street came to share our Christmas pudding. You need an appreciative audience to sing and cheer the flaming. They performed their part well. In the photo you can see David’s tie, Shawn, Moo, Brittainy, and a little of Logan’s face. Off camera were Bob and Moo and Brittainy’s toddler. It is always enjoyable to spend time with them.

IMG_0044 1.jpg

Christmas was very special, as it always has been. We shared the celebration of God’s coming among us with church friends, family, and neighbors. We pray that all of you had a blessed holiday.

Published by Anne Mehrling

I'm a retiree who loves to write about life in the mountains of North Carolina.

Published

20 thoughts on “The Demarcation of Christmas”

  1. Looks as though a wonderful Christmas was had by all. Your grandsons are so handsome and I’m glad they got a pic of you, so I could show you to my hubby-I’m always sharing your stories with him.

    Like

    Reply

  5. Anne,
    You are an angel and your grandsons know it. As you say, you might have to live up to it or live it down. 🙂
    Hope Nathaniel is feeling better.
    I had never heard of the fourth Sunday of Advent- perhaps they mention it in church but I might not have paid attention. Something new learnt here.
    We made potato salad for the first time here – without eggs as we had a few vegetarians to dinner. It was quite good, if I may say so myself.
    Lots of love,
    Susie

    Like

    Reply

  7. We had a wonderful family Christmas yesterday. What a lovely family you have Anne. Lovely to see you all together, happy and smiling. Wishing you all the best for 2018

    Like

    Reply

  8. Your decorations and tablecloth and menu bring back so many happy memories. Love you all! And I hope Nate feels better fast (and that nobody else gets it).

    Like

    Reply

Do you have a comment? I'd love to hear from you.