Christmas Celebrated

Christmas seems to be a month-long celebration as our activities are spread out and vary.  December busy starts with John's annual work meeting.  This year he decided to add extra cheer to the meeting environment by decking himself out in Christmas gear.  It was fun for all.  :-)

 Decorating for Christmas happens early in December so that we can maximize our enjoyment. 

During the month there are usually special meetings for things like youth group, bible study, and work parties.  This year Jozsef needed a white elephant gift for one of his gatherings and we were inspired by Ren and Stimpy to create our own version of the Blammo Log.  It turned out really good and was a party hit.  So much fun!

Our church had a special Christmas service that we enjoyed.  We always look forward to this service and this year's treat was the music set coupled with a great sermon.  The lobby decorations made for really good pictures too. 

Christmas Eve was exciting because we had the opportunity to continue a long running tradition--watching a movie in the theater on Christmas Eve (no small feat for a large family).  For the last four Star Wars movie releases, we have been in a situation where we have recently relocated and going to a movie was a treat and a memory maker for our new location.  This year, as the Star Wars saga ends, we hope that our "tradition" of moving has ended too.  :-)  The movie was not a disappointment and neither was the wind lunch we had after.  :-) 

Later that night, we played a game that John introduced last year--the saran wrap ball, I do believe it will be a new tradition.  It's a fast paced game that's pretty competitive (at least for us, not sure if it's meant to be competitive) :-) and it's a blast.  Everyone gets some sort of prize so that's a bonus.

Following the game, we opened our traditional one gift before relaxing a bit, setting out cookies for Santa and carrots for Rudolph, and turning in for the night. 

Christmas day was full of excitement, gifts, games, food, and fun.  One aspect of gift giving that was glaringly apparent was the joy of the kids gifting each other.   Especially now that both of the boys are employed and the younger kids aren't as little anymore, there is much excitement in gift giving--and maybe even more than in gift receiving.  It was wonderful to experience these expressions of their hearts.  They were all so thoughtful and generous.  <3 nbsp="" p="">

Nikolas gifted Jozsef a really slick jacket and now they can look dapper together

The younger kids made a Lego creation especially for the teens

Riley and Sonja teamed up to buy Connor a favorite--a sloth

All things dinosaur made Riley super happy

Jozsef has been eyeing this shirt for a while--it's perfect for him and just plain fun

Our table was blessed by those who sent us delectable edible gifts.  We are SO thankful for those who were thinking of us this holiday season.  <3 td="">

 The time off of our regular schedules has been well spent.  We are soaking up our opportunities to rest, relax, and just spend time together.  There were multiple games given and received this Christmas, which means we have spent an enormous amount of time gaming--both board games and electronic.  We'll miss this kind of freedom when we return to school and work as usual, but we're soaking it all in as best as we can. 

Risk has become a holiday tradition.  They buy a big bag of M&Ms and divide the colors so that they can play with the candies as their army men.  :-) 

 All this, and still, we make sure to acknowledge, include, and celebrate the reason for the season--Christ.  Without Him, none of this matters.  Thank you Lord for the ultimate gift of your love. <3 nbsp="" p="">