Most people haven’t even finished their Christmas shopping yet, but we have already had Christmas with two of our grown children and their families.  I really had to scramble to get everything bought and wrapped so early.

It sounds crazy, but once it’s in motion, Christmas can be celebrated on any given day of the year.  All you need are a few basics, a Christmas tree, a pile of presents, and some family and friends.  A few twinkling lights and some Christmas cookies, and we are ready to party.

Christmas is always more fun when there are children around.  I was so happy to have six of my nine grand kids here all at the same time.  We had a huge pile of gifts and everyone had a ball opening up their surprises.  The boys had ‘hot wheels’ all over the floor.  The girls were coloring in their new books.  The parents were visiting and doing ‘Black Friday’ shopping on line.  Grandpa was sitting in his recliner recovering from his recent knee replacement.

I was sitting in my recliner enjoying all the commotion.  I love to just sit and watch my grandchildren at play.  It is fun to watch them interact with each other.  It can be especially entertaining because they don’t see each other often and Jonathan has identical twins boys, 4 years old.   Matt’s 5 year old daughter was always asking, “Now which one are you?”, and the twins became more aggravated with each question.

Little children are such a wonder to me.  I love them dearly.  I have taught 3-7 year olds for over 45 years, between Sunday School and regular school.  They are so alive and energetic. I wish I could still keep up with them, but alas,  age takes it’s price from each of us.

So our first Christmas of the season was wonderful.  We still have a least 3 more to do with the rest of our family and one night with close friends.  It’s nice spreading out the celebrating for a longer period of time.  It gives more time to visit and less stress.