Gift #1 — Sleeping in til 730am.  W.O.N.D.E.R.F.U.L!   And the gifts kept coming today.   No Returns Here!

Since we had the new windows put in during the summer , our black out shades create a cocoon-like atmosphere in our bedrooms.    A combination of the darkness, the exhaustion from all the running around this past week, and no, absolutely no obligations today — well, we slept in til 730am, and let nature wake us up in her own sweet time.  Ahhh, it was a refreshing way to greet Christmas morning.

Peter and I were up first — dogs out, coffee made, croissants into the oven.  The girls came down shortly after that, and even though they are teenagers — nothing beats Christmas morning.  It’s Fun.  Love.  Family.  Laughter.  All rolled together.

When gift giving time began — the girls give out the presents from under the tree.  The first thing they went for were cards.  Christmas Cards they had bought for Peter and me.  Cards from themselves — to us.  Peter and I opened them, and started reading precious thoughts from our teenage daughters — quirky.  funny.  joy-filled words of love and appreciation for…..not what we had bought them….no….but appreciation for the love we have shown them over the years.    Their message to us was simple…..we make their lives happy.  And they appreciate us.  

Dear Jesus — on this, your day, I’m grateful for the gifts you have given me today.  Teenage years are hard ones on parents and our adult-bound children.  Most days, we all hang on for the ride.  But today….you gave us a sneak peek into the future.   A peek at the relationship that will bind our children to us, for all of our lives to come.   It was, by far, my most favorite gift of all.  Ever.

Merry Christmas friends, family, loved ones.  Find precious moments today.  Life is now.  Today is our gift.  On this, most special day.  Christ’s Mass.

Ciao for now…….Diane