The Christmas candle was lit, and Advent was completed. I enjoy lighting the candles and counting the weeks until the celebration of the birth of Jesus. We all know He wasn't born in December, but this is when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, and I'm all in for it. My birthday cards are saved and presented as shown here, too.
I was invited to dinner, on Christmas Eve, by Anne and Paul. They live across the street, to my left. Anne made ravioli and meatballs in red sauce. She had a delicious salad and bread, as well. I said I would bring dessert. Paul requested an apple pie. I also took ice cream and we enjoyed it after letting dinner settle a bit. I didn't think to take even one photo.
Christmas day started with meal prep. Anne and Paul, and Cheryl, were coming at 2:00. I had ham, mac&cheese, mashed potatoes, green beans, a pickle dish, rolls, deviled eggs, and Anne brought sweet potatoes. Cheryl brought red velvet cake for dessert. We had a very nice time talking, reminiscing, laughing, and feeling blessed. Anne and Paul left around 6:00 and Cheryl left around 8:00 (we watched some TV). It took me a couple of hours to clean the kitchen and put things away. A lovely day, from start to finish. I took a picture of the table before anyone arrived and then didn't take another photo all day.
Yesterday, I got up and decided to start gathering "Christmas" to be put away. I don't usually do it until after the new year. The tree is still in place and my "Merry Mail" is still hanging on the wall. Everything I gathered is on my dining room table. Do any of you gather things to one central location and then put them in boxes/bins? I've done it that way for years and years.
I have my cardiology appointment this afternoon. Hoping he will decipher the test results for me and give me an okay for my foot surgery on January 14th. Fingers crossed.
One more thought. On December 27, 1999, Joe's mom passed away. She was a remarkable woman who loved to laugh, loved her family, and could cook like a three-star chef. Oh my goodness!! The whole family was together, earlier that day, at Joey and Kathy's house in New Jersey. It was like she saw everyone and knew she could go. Her heart was full. I took a picture of the picture, but she is front and center, with Tristan on her lap. She was loved by all, and I was holding her when she passed. She had an aneurysm and it burst.
I'm looking forward to reading about your Christmases and wish everyone a blessed new year ahead!! Have you picked a word for 2025? I haven't even thought about it yet. Hoping it comes to me!!
Praying for a good report from the dr. Terri. Wishing you a beautiful day.
ReplyDeleteLet us know what the doctor says!!
ReplyDeleteI do and have started my gathering of Christmas items to put in a box.
Joe's mom sounds nice.
So with all the eating out you do and all the desserts - how do you stay so beautiful and trim!
What a bittersweet anniversary, Terri. I wholly believe, as long as we continue to talk about our late loved ones, their memories will live on and on.
ReplyDeleteYes, our dining room table is the repository for all things Christmas -- but I'm not going to think about that before Epiphany.
Praying for a 'two thumbs up' from your doctor!
Sounds like a nice Christmas celebration. I like to put things on my dining room table so it gets put away in a way that makes sense. Happy new year! Hope your surgery is a go.
ReplyDeletePraying all goes well for your upcoming surgery. Sounds like you had a couple of wonderful days with friends, enjoying delicious meals and fellowship together. When I start putting away Christmas it takes a while, as you can imagine. I do use the table to gather things that go together to store in one bin and then move on to the next bin of stuff. I won't even begin to put it away until after our family gathering in January, which I think is going to be here on the 3rd, but that is still up in the air, waiting on people to confirm. I know you want to get things organized and cleaned up before you have to have surgery, so I applaud you for getting a head start on it. I hope you have a wonderful and Happy New Year! It's coming up very soon!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful memory you've shared here about Joe's mother, though it's bittersweet, too. It's especially difficult to lose loved ones around the holidays, isn't it? Keep us informed about what you find out from the doctor, Terri, and I will be praying for a good report and surgery. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI do hope you have gotten good news from the doctor. I also take all my decorations to the dining room table except the tree and then load it all up in their boxes until next year. It seems I always miss one thing and have to leave it on top of the boxes:)
ReplyDeletePrayers for good news, my friend. Your Christmas Days sound lovely, and yes!!! I do gater all my things and put them on the dining table!!! Great minds!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, it's foot surgery. Sending prayers for quick recovery and all goes well.
ReplyDeleteHow sad about your Mother In Law. An aneurysm is what took my mother August 1966. There's no way to tell if someone has that weakness. It just happens.
God bless and Happy New Year! 🎉