Ahhhhh

We are all duly fed, both with venison and vegetarian fare. Gifts were opened to much laughter and appreciation - we tend toward the gifts that amuse rather than amaze - and phone calls with family who could not be here with us were a delight.

The apple frangipane tart was a success, and I indulged in a small piece, it being Christmas.

StrongOpinions got a Christmas present from Big Apple Ivy - a significant scholarship towards her tuition. This is a help that is much appreciated.

There was a time, many moons ago, that I had a lot of money. Christmases then were marked by piles of gifts under a very large tree...and the children descended on the piles and tore through them in what seemed like seconds.

Now our Christmases are marked by the right recognition that the gifts are athird tier pleasure of the day...the first is the celebration of the Incarnation, and the second is the pleasure of being together. The piles of gifts are more like little mounds.

But the smiles, the joy, the appreciation...it all seems so much greater now. Perspective on what love really is and from whence it comes - it changes things for the better. I don't miss the big piles of presents, not one whit.

Merry Christmas, all.