Advent and Christmas

The boys and I finished up the final chapter of A Christmas Carol on Friday (and yes, I was a little teary when reading Tiny Tim's "God bless us, everyone"), and this afternoon I undecorated the tree while Elliot pretended to splash it with a branch full of holy water. There was some debate between myself and Thomas over exactly which decorations qualified as specifically "Christmas" and which were seasonal. Decisions were made and half of the trinkets were carefully placed in boxes and retreated back to their home in the attic. Leaving out a strand of lights to be hung over a living room window to elicit cheer was deemed absolutely necessary by my son; and when the princess awoke and discovered the tree had disappeared while she was sleeping, her sadness was assuaged by the bright lights, which she declared "absolutely beautiful." The following is a vast and lengthy assortment of our Advent and Christmas photos. It was truly a blessed and joyous season filled with gatherings with those we love so much. Enjoy! A peaceful week to you all.

St. Nicholas Day

December 6

Russell just being Russell

St. Lucia Day

December 13th

Getting ready to deliver Swedish ginger cookies to the neighbors

Christmas Eve

One picture please before heading out the door for church at St. Raphael of Brooklyn in Iowa City

Christmas Day

Yes, even Baby Owen received a new Christmas outfit. Sharp!

The First Day of Christmas...

plumb tuckered out.

The Eleventh Day of Christmas...

warm enough to head outside and snow perfect for snowballs and snowmen.

Russell constructing an "igloop.'

Oddly enough, our snow man resembles my husband.

The Twelfth Day of Christmas...

so cold that Elliot disrobed of his church clothes and promptly put on footy pajamas.

Enjoying the Three King's Cake with his best friend. I must add that Russell was the official King of the Feast, finding the raisin (didn't have a bean) in his piece of cake.