Merry Christmas!

Glenn and Alison were playing Christmas carols tonight on our piano, and as we all sang along, it took me back to yesteryear—you know, when we stood around our piano at 2846, Mom playing, and all of us kids attempting to sing the carols.

I remember popping popcorn and then stringing popcorn and cranberries for the tree, throwing tinsel at the branches as we chomped on Christmas cookies, checking to see if we really did see Santa’s whiskers at the window that Dad swore he saw as we dawdled going to bed…

And, of course, on Christmas morning, we Kinsellas all sat on the stairs between the first and second floors, not allowed to step foot on that hallowed first floor ground.

Finally, the call would go up—when the grown ups had their coffee and had already claimed their chairs—and we were allowed to race pell mell into the living room where our tree and our presents awaited us.

In the earlier years, the race was to see just what presents Santa left us. In the later years, the race was REALLY to grab the best seats left to us, because it was a LONG morning to be sitting on the floor. One of the most important aspects of the seating arrangement, however, was the amount of space around it—you had to keep open a spot for your stash. Thus, to be in the middle of the couch was NOT a prime choice.

I will miss being at Mom and Dad’s on Christmas, but I am sure that the hubbub will be just as crazy as I remember.

Love to all of you today….A few bits of Christmas carols:

Away in a Manger—I have always loved this one-

Away in a manger,
no crib for a bed,
the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head,
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

And, Celebrate Me Home, by Loggins and Messina.
One year, Beth and I created a slide show of us kids through out the years. I think we both were home from college, and it just felt so good to finally be home and see the beautifully familiar faces of our family. As the pictures changed, we played this song—

Home for the holidays,
I believe I've missed each and every face,
Come on and play my music,
Let's turn on the love light in the place

Please, celebrate me home,
Give me a number,
please, celebrate me home
Play me one more song,
That I'll always remember,
I can recall,whenever I find myself too all alone,
I can make believe I've never gone,
I never know where I belong,
Sing me home.

So, to all of our cousins and relatives, have a very Merry Christmas.

We may not sing exceptionally well,
BUT,
we will always Celebrate you Home.

Love you all,

Pat