Christmas Stroll

My Christmas Break: by Jude

We went to Grandma and Grandpa S's house for Christmas this year. Mom and I flew by ourselves there while dad was finishing up finals for law school. I screamed my head off. It was great.
Mom thought it would be funny to feed me lemon water. I was unsure.

And utimately unamused. Although I couldn't stop trying it...

I liked sitting with my Grandpa and cousin Zoe.

And I liked trying to eat her. And pull her hair. She's pretty cute. For a girl.

Here's my aunt Annie. We're like a head flower. Get it?

Here is cousin Jed eating waffles. He loves whipping cream, aka "whuppie". Mom won't let me have any yet. Meaniehead.

Dad let me be on his team.

I liked cuddling with Grandma in the morning.

Here are my aunts and uncles on Christmas day.

Zoe and I raced. It was pretty slow going given that niether of us crawl yet.

Luckily, I'm not afraid to play dirty.

I liked cuddling with dad.

And taking naps.

And baths.

Here is Zoe and I again. She's a cute flower.

I liked cooking with Grandma too.

Now were back home and mom keeps trying to feed me rice cereal. I hate it and spit it all over her. It's funny.

I would give my heart.

Today is my boy's first Christmas. Before anyone else was awake, he and I crept into the living room where the tree was lit up and bright in the dark morning light. Jude turned to me with a huge grin and a squeal and we basked in the glow for a few minutes. I love Christmas. I love being with family. I love reading on Christmas Eve about angelic visitations and women, cousins, suddenly, unexpectedly full of divine life. I love the sweet baby Jesus lying in hay. I love quiet Mary with her hand over her heart and steady Joseph leaning on his staff, watchful. I love singing old english carols around the piano, my father cutting us off at the end of each verse. I love working on impossible puzzles and playing silly games. I love wrapping presents (terribly, by the way). I love it all.

And last night, I couldn't help but listen for the hooves of reindeer on the roof.

Merry Christmas to you and yours.