It was only a few days ago, but it seems like a lot longer. While it was great, I’m really glad Christmas is over. Too much work and too much stress.

Patrick and Veronica came over on Christmas Eve. We decorated the tree in front of a nice warm fire and feasted on honeybaked ham, cheeses, crackers, potato salad, macaroni salad and magic cookie bars (of course!).

The next morning I watched Robin open his gifts in Seattle! Kevin and Soula arranged for a video feed from their living room to my computer so that I could see all the fun and craziness associated with Santa’s visit to a 16-month old little boy. Robin seemed to be totally overwhelmed with all the toys and gifts. It was really great to be able to watch everything–not as good as being there in person, but close.

Patrick and Veronica came over in the early afternoon and we opened gifts and began the cooking of the Christmas goose and all the trimmings. It’s fun trying new things for the Christmas meal and much easier on me not to have to cook a turkey. Last year was prime rib, this year goose, maybe duck next year.

I received two really great gifts from my sons this year. Kevin sent a digital picture frame that holds up to 3000 pictures! It will also play videos and music to accompany slide shows. I haven’t yet hooked it up and begun playing with it but I expect I’ll have it loaded with pictures of a certain little boy very soon! Patrick got me a huge (~5 ft tall) Craftsman tool center on wheels. I started to call it a toolbox, but it’s much more than a box! I’ve always wanted one of these and now really need to get busy on cleaning out and reorganizing the garage. Thanks boys!!!

The weather is starting to feel much more like California after a cold and rainy Christmas Eve and Day. It was kinda nice to have the cool weather so that a fire in the fireplace actually seemed right. But I’m glad the sun and warmth are back.

So, all in all, Christmas turned out pretty good this year. I’m really enjoying having the house all decorated and dread having to deal with putting it all away. It looks so festive right now and I’m glad Patrick will be having a New Year’s Eve party here this year so that others can enjoy all the decorations. Lots of work awaits over the next few days to get ready for the party, but it should be lots of fun. Updates and pictures will follow…