We’re waiting for Christmas to come and are getting ready.

This morning we played with our new toys from the German Christmas market. We loved the wooden and tin creations and the magical movements of the little tin house with real smoke (incense) coming out of the chimney, the real steam boat that operated in water with heat/steam generated by a candle, and the candle operated Snowball scene, merry go round. We sat for a long while playing and watching and enjoying these things.

Juliana and Charlie began baking cookies. Too bad they stuck to the baking sheets and we had to throw them away. We’ll have to try again tomorrow and hopefully we’ll have a picture to share.

Jeff and I went shopping at our adult toy store, Hanos, to pick out appetizers and beverages for Christmas Eve. We have a couple friends planning to join us and now I’m feeling more excited to celebrate. That store is so much fun and we both kept wandering and getting distracted by all the possibilities of what we could make and serve.

While we were gone, 4 packages arrived. I think receiving a package in the mail is so exciting, just like winning a prize and not even knowing what it is. I love the thrill of the anticipation and the thought that someone thought of us and took the time to pick something, find the right box and go to the post office to pay and mail it. So much thought goes into that, that I just want to thank April and Brenda and Becky for the surprises that await. Thank you for thinking of my family. And to my mama, who helped me ship presents to my other family in the states. Thank you!!

And to all the women (and a few good me ) who are busy behind the scenes helping to shop, wrap, cook, bake, write, entertain and clean to create the spirit of Christmas… Thank you for keeping the magic alive and bringing family and friends together in celebration of this wonderful thing called life.