Clunes and Christmas Trees

On Saturday my SIL Kurt (along with the kids) bought and put up a Christmas tree in our living room and did the lights. This is a traditionally masculine job and he did it with skill, courtesy, and aplomb. Then the children went up to the attic and brought down the Christmas boxes. We still haven't found the box that has the tree-top angel, but there were many boxes of ornaments and I went through one box - explaining briefly the meaning behind the various ornaments (who made them, who bought them, how old they were) - and the girls rummaged the other box and hung what they thought was pretty. This way we did get two of the bread dough angels from the Christmas when I was pregnant with their mother (40 years ago now) and three of the four Nurnberg ornaments and the sisal mouse that we got the year Valentine (Michael Mouse) was born and also a number of ornaments I hadn't seen in years. The tree is lovely and glows gladly into the living room.

Robin and Fred arrived yesterday afternoon to my great joy. Kent make weinerschnitzel for dinner with a great German potato salad and we all sat at the table for a long time talking. I made pumpkin pies and there is enough left over to have for breakfast.

One of the three remaining package deliveries was made yesterday so I have one last thing to wrap. We worked hard this year - all of us - at NOT making presents the focus of our celebration - and I am very glad! Valentine arrives today from Chicago (at the whims of Spirit airlines...) and John and his lady arrive tomorrow evening.

Anyone who hasn't yet gotten a Christmas card can expect one sometime next week when I am off work and have more free time. There are, after all, twelve days of Christmas. Let's use them every one!