Noël

Christmas was quite different for us this year. Instead of gathering like we normally do with dozens of family and friends on the 24th, 25th, and often the 26th (which usually spills over into the 27, then Jonah’s birthday on the 28, which is followed by 2 days off, then New years eve…) – we were at home with just the five of us.  On Christmas Eve we went to a fairly laid-back service at at french church, then came home and had Raclette for supper (melted cheese on potatoes..mmmm)  By the time we finished supper it was well after 8:00, so the kids each had a gift from friends which they opened, and were in bed well before 10.  

The kids each had one present to open on Christmas morning – plus a game to share.  The difference between this and other years where they often seem to get so much more is that this year they seemed to have actually appreciated what they got, and played with their new toys; lots.

We spent the day at home, went sledding in our yard, played with new toys, went sledding down a bike trail that turned out to be quite long/steep/rock-filled/fun. Then we had supper at home, just the five of us.  Although it was especially different, and quite an adjustment for the kids, in some ways it was nice to have a quiet time at home just sharing Christmas as a family.

Christmas ended up being very relaxing, and a great time for us to be together as a family.  Just what we were hoping for.