Celebrating Christmas

The holiday season has become increasingly difficult for me. If I wrote what I truly felt, you would think me horribly glum and ungrateful, so I'll refrain and comment only on the wonderful things about celebrating Christmas.

Luminaries lining the walkway at Kris & Kirsti's. They hosted the Baker family dinner and program.
The flowers on my mom's table brought me a simple, yet profound joy. I think it was more about the woman I admire so deeply and the love I feel in her presence. Christmas Eve dinner-crab, clam chowder, fish & chips, salad, artisan bread. Yum!

Decorating cookies

Cookies for mommy. I mean, Santa.Christmas carols with chimes Christmas morning cheer Friends who let you forget your cares and enjoy the moment FamilyAnd above all, the birth of Christ.

Tubing!

Christmas Eve day we went to The Summit Tubing Center at Snoqualmie for some fun in the snow. I've wanted to do this for a couple years and even though Alex thought it was a waste of time and money, we all had fun. I loved it, actually. Alex is just used to skiing and snowboarding. I can see how tubing isn't quite the same thrill. ;) Loved being with my brothers and sister too! And be forewarned. I got a little snap happy with the camera...

Let the Christmas season begin...

With a gingerbread house A visit to Santa (our favorite at the firestation)
And a really young one this year ;)

A close look at Santa's expression says, "When is this over?"And our traditional Pikku Joulu