And Then We Look Back

I can think back and recall a few hard Christmasses  -- the ones after mom, and then later, dad, died. The year Greg was in the hospital and our whole city was in the midst of a power failure after an ice storm. But most are wonderful -- and this one, in particular, felt particularly lovely.So much so, that I don't want to see it end. And so we remember.

I remember the first Christmas I had with Rick and there were few ornaments on the tree. It became my mission to make that tree tell his story and now you will find things that represent our travels, the kids and their activities growing up, hobbies and family. On Christmas Eve (also the first night of Hanukkah), we ate on the china I gave him -- because you must have Christmas dishes!

Rich made wonderful latkes for dinner.

Then it was off to church for the Christmas Eve service, followed by a dessert reception and looking at lights. Then home, a quiet evening of Christmas, watching a cooking holiday special where they butchered a hog. (Really -- it was called "A Chef's Life" and it was kind of fascinating but a little weird.)

Christmas morning. Presents first. For Rick, books and coffee, a new red sweater and bike reconditioning.

For me, new trees for the cottage to cover the future monstrosity next door, a video set (Midsummer Murders), socks, a heart charm for my Pandora bracelet.

Home to make dinner --Julia's Boeuf Bourguingon, Rick's bread (made fresh that morning), Kate's salad.

And then we welcomed our guests, friends Kate and Mike, Oldest Kid Greg with Kim.Yes, photos.

The same, only different.

Yes, Christmas crackers.

Yes, everyone must wear the crown!

After dinner, we are joined by the other members of Rick's classical music trio. Byron and Josh add joy to our festivities as the three of them play holiday music and another of their pieces.

We are joined by others for dessert...

...and the music continues.

So, too, does the conversation. Artists and musicians,

Old friends and new.

And it all seems so Hallmark movie, it kind of surprises me. Do things ever goes this well in real life? Is there ever so little stress on dinner?

Yes, they do go this well in real life. And the did. And it was very happy.

This post is being shared with Share Your Cup and Sweet and Simple Fridays link parties. (And thanks to Jody for including my "Visions of Sugarplums" in her Sweet and Simple Friday features this week!)