StevenLaura

I thought Christmas might be lonely this year, as the only family around is Steve.

Christmas Eve morning I got up early and made Swedish Tea Ring on the bread board my grandpa had made me, remembering fondly how mom had taught me this recipe when I was a little girl. We went to church where I heard a beautiful sermon and saw friends, some of whom were international students, and thus had no family around and were planning next to nothing for the holidays. So we all went out to lunch together. When we got home, we had just enough time to nap before going off to the candle light service. There, more friends and well-wishes and off to home. That evening we enjoyed Steve's mom's fruitcake (REALLY REALLY yummy stuff!) and unwrapped a couple of presents (to festive candle light, courtesy of my sister-in-law) before going to bed. Plus, we had countless conversations back and forth to family in MN. This morning was spent unwrapping unexpected gifts from family who knew we'd be Christmasing alone this year, and likely wanted to add to the holiday cheer. After hurrying around to find AAA batteries for our computer's microphone, we enjoyed a pleasant conversation with my family in Poland.

Grandpa's bread board (and home-made trivit, on which we rested the tea ring after it came out of the oven) mom's recipe, (other) mom's fruit cake, Grandma Ruth's stocking stuffers and calendars, traditions from both sides of the family, phone calls near and far, friends, and a common Christmas message that is more miraculous and breath taking than anything else the season can offer. All in all the days have not been lonely, they've been wonderful. The slower pace has been delightful as we prepare for a year of changes.


Now we're off to visit friends and play games. MERRY CHRISTMAS DEAR FAMILY! WE MISS YOU LOTS!
-Steve, Laura, & baby