Tuesday, December 25, 2007

I’m typing to Christmas music and the quiet hum of the dishwasher. Christmas lunch is complete. The presents have all been opened. I even have new quilt fabric sitting next to me. Definitely a wonderful Christmas.

Last night we were talking about the Christmas meal. I announced that I thought I’d make place cards to match the dinner dishes. Chelsey first laughed, “ Mom, don’t be a dork--- there’s only four of us.” Then my darling 19 year old chimed in, “ Well, Chels, we might not know which chair we sit in, so we may need them.” Yeah, OK, I laughed too. Then I laid in bed last night thinking of holidays and traditions of past Christmases. And I decided that dorky is exactly how I want to be remembered, so I got up early this morning and made everyone a place card attached to a candy cane.
And switched everyone normal seating at the table. If anything it made conversations of “I like your chair better”, “Wow, you can see out the window while you eat.” I think I do it every year from now on…..

Ransom got his share of gifts. Here he is in his Christmas outfit.
I live 1200 miles away from relatives, but our Christmas was special just the four of us.
And I never felt closer to distant relatives—they’ve called and emailed us throughout the holidays. Holidays are what you make them. Stressful, sad, peaceful, fun, memorable….. you don’t always control the cards your dealt, but how you play them … makes the difference…..

I hope everyone’s Christmas lasts longer than just today……

17 comments:

Shelina said...

I like the idea of name tags too. It sounds like you had a lovely Christmas, and I hope that yours too lasts throughout the New Year.

Evelyn aka Starfishy said...

Miles from both our families, OUR own little family had a very nice Christmas too. The name cards are cute!!! These are fun little traditions your family will remember!!!

Cheers!

Evelyn

Ila K. said...

Oh, hansome Ransom!

Happiest of blessings for the new year!

KC Quilter said...

Dorky is GOOD!!!! Hope you have an enjoyable New Years too.

Louise said...

I so like the name tags ... I thought of doing that this morning, but ran out of time before our sons & their families arrived. Next year, Lord willing, I'll put this to use. I love the picture of Ransom! I love dogs, don't have one since losing our Boxer a few years ago, but we have Grandpups and that helps.
Blessings to you and yours.

Quilts And Pieces said...

Merry Christmas! And here's to a wonderful new year!

Pat said...

I hope that you had a great day. Did you get the newsletter from Primitive Gatherings? That finished quilt is to die for. I hope that you have a very Happy New Year.

Tazzie said...

Dorky sounds just great to me :-) I hope you've had the very best Christmas, and all the best for the new year.
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

Juliann in WA said...

Your name tags and plates are lovely. It is nice to do some of those little things just for yourself. Enjoy the rest of your time off.

Joanne said...

What wonderful sentiments. I like the idea of starting new traditions too -- we do it every year. We vary the food we do by whomever hosts the gathering. This year we had homemade lasagna made by my son-in-law.
Glad your holidays were special.

Marilyn Robertson said...

Your name tags are cute! I didn't think about name tags soon enough. I resorted to writing names on the pastic cups set at each place. Next year I need to do the name tags instead!

Judy said...

Sounds wonderful!

Nana B said...

I don't think there is anything wrong with "dorky" my kids feel that way with some things I do to, but they still stand in line when I'm giving out quilts. My brother-in-law did name cards this year, it was fun, it mixed up the grown up with the young people, there were 22 of us at the table.

Beemoosie said...

So true...
Merry Christmas and God bless you and yours!

Texan said...

Ransom's picture is so cute!

Yes sometimes we get dealt some odd family things during the Holidays, it seemed to be our year for that as well, not Dave and I but our families, not sure I would deal with it all the same way again but well one doesn't get a dress rehearsal do they LOL...but it brought about some decisions that needed making for a while now :O)... so we are going to see it all as a positive thing :O)...

Happy New Year!

Patti said...

I love the idea of mane tags - not at all Dorky! They are very attractive, especially on your beautiful china.

Annmarie said...

I just found your blog. Where in the UP??? I'm in Rhinelander. Moved here for the peace & quiet. No more!! I want to move to the UP!!!