Christmas 2015

This was our 9th time celebrating Christmas in Italy. I wouldn't say it gets easier with time learning to celebrate special holidays far away from family. In fact, Christmas still seems to be the hardest holiday emotionally even though we enjoy our own family traditions through the Advent season and incorporate as much of "home" through the kitchen. There will always be a piece of our hearts that longs to be surrounded by family other than in Skype form.

BUT GOD...he gives the grace to celebrate with joy as we focus on the greatest gift--Emmanuel, God with us. He is with us! And as we keep our eyes on Him and the reality of his presence and the reason we serve Him here, that is what sustains us and gives us proper perspective when we are tempted to turn our focus inward. We are thankful for his comforting peace and joy granted through the season.

December was a relatively full month and made a bit more strenuous as Jonathan really struggled with his health all month. His constant physical fatigue and battle with a parasite really inhibited his participation in day to day things. His limitations and my increased responsibility to keep everyone and everything functioning consequently caused me to simplify the season making it ironically one of the less stressful holiday years. I am grateful to God for the strength he provides as prolonged illness really effects everyone within the family.  Continued prayers are appreciated for Jonathan's complete healing. 

Without further ado and before January slips by us, here is looking back at our December holiday season.

Someone turned thirty-eight!

We did lots of baking for our friends and neighbors. This year we gave homemade grape jelly that I made in the fall, pumpkin bread, chocolate chip cookies and peanut butter cookies. We baked a little bit every week and then put the items in the freezer until ready to gift. This really helped me keep my sanity along of course with the addition of lots of helpers!

On December 22, we hosted a Christmas dinner for those who could attend from our Bible study.

Our "white" Christmas was brought to us in the form of dense fog.

Our Christmas morning began with the final Advent readings and candle lighting.

My pallet box project was perfect for holding our advent candles. Rosemary from our garden and green clippings from the dumpster rounded out my rustic festive look. What can I say? I am resourceful.

This year we encouraged the kids to make gifts for each other. It was a challenge of creativity, thought and effort but everyone seemed to have fun in making something. Bookmarks, hand warmers, painted lego imprints, ornaments, pencil holders, necklaces, a poem and coffee sugar scrub were gifted.

Additional gift highlights were Ticket to Ride, Legos, books and individual boxes for the kids filled with all sorts of goodies from a supporting church youth group.

Our day was quiet and simple as we enjoyed a Christmas brunch with Melissa that of course included Mom Kleis' famous cinnamon rolls. The kids spent the afternoon assembling legos and models while Jonathan rested and Melissa and I chatted and enjoyed homemade eggnog. We then later caught up with family on Skype as their day was starting and ours was ending. A merry Christmas it was.