2009 Tree with "Naked Santa"

My Four Christmases

Christmas Eve 2008 Loni, Mina and I went to see the movie "Four Christmases"  which reminded me so much of some of my Christmases growing up that I was crying through the laughter.   Growing up I often had several Christmases, not because of divorced families, but because there was my mom's family, dad's family, our family, and then my Christmas with friends.

This year I had my own four Christmases.

My first Christmas was on Sunday, December 20, when Loni, Mina, Stan, and Jill came over for dinner, my youngest's family birthday, and our Christmas gift exchange.  The boys and I had decorated the house  that morning and had the tree all ready for when everyone arrived.  I was so happy to have most of my extended family here.  Dinner went smoothly, there was lots of laughter, and no one seemed unhappy with their gifts.  When the gift exchange was over we transitioned over to having our "Survivor" night by watching the finale.  (Lousy choice of winner, but Eric's speech gave everyone permission to vote that way.)  A perfect evening for Mamma C.

My second Christmas was on Wednesday, December 23.  My oldest's girlfriend came to spend the night and we made dinner, went out to see the local Christmas lights, had a gift exchange, and then watched "Four Christmases."  She seemed to really enjoy herself and liked her gifts.  This is their first Christmas together so it was very sweet. I was happy because Jill was here with us so I did not feel like a third wheel.

 My third Christmas was Christmas Eve extended to Christmas Day when the boys and I exchanged our gifts and did our family thing.  The boys did good in picking out a new robe, slippers, gloves, and quilting supplies.  Okay, I helped on the quilting supplies and robe, but they did the rest.  It was a nice laid back time which was good since the oldest and I both had colds and were not feeling well.  I did make homemade hamburger buns and we had ham from Dickey's, plus all the leftover ziti from when the girlfriend was here.

My fourth Christmas was on Sunday, December 27.  It was with Sis and her husband. They usually come Christmas evening, but they were snowed in for their Christmas Eve family celebration, and everything got pushed back a little.  I had not seen her face in a while so it was wonderful to be with them for even a short time.

My four Christmases this year were perfect. I feel so very blessed.