Well'mas

Plans to open presents on Dec. 25 changed on Christmas Eve day as the cold season lingered in Lawrence. The decision to delay was made shortly before noon when Kelly and I agreed to wait until all were feeling better and then we would celebrate Well'mas. Since I had frozen several food items earlier in the week and since Dorothy and Barney were coming over Christmas Day for left-overs anyway, a delay was not a disaster. Besides, we have always considered the celebration as being more important than the date.

So, a few days after New Year's, despite a weather forecast of sleet and snow threatening our plans, we were able to get together. After snacks, Sloppy Joes and Triumph ribs, we went downstairs to enjoy the renovations that had spanned over a year since the summer 2013 flooding.

Adam and Heather had to leave around 11:30 pm partly because of snow that was moving into the area but mostly because their dog Penelope was all alone in Lawrence. Then Rodney, who was still in the recovery phase of a cold, gave up on the festivities, taking an old towel and a jar of Vick's with him to bed. Not long after, the rest of us tucked in.

The next morning was sunny but cold. The snow forecast of several inches had not materialized so the return trip to Lawrence would not be difficult.

Christmas Eve 2014

The Upstairs Christmas 2013

Although Christmas celebrations on Mockingbird Lane may not always be on Christmas, this year the family actually gathered on December 25 to open presents. As usual, our Christmas was not as usual. Restoration of the lower level is not yet complete so all the festivities (and trees and decorations and presents) were upstairs.

The change in venue didn't change spirits. Paper was torn and ribbons saved as we opened presents. My best gift was a shop vac from Rodney along with professional-grade accessories. Andrew's best was the last one he found under the Christmas tree after we all searched for it in the discarded wrapping paper. Adam got the worst present: a book that was the same as one that I had given him last year. Ooops! I did the same in 2012.

The revised configuration for sleeping arrangements turned out great. Andrew chose to set up the new air mattress downstairs and Adam opted to sleep on the upstairs living room couch. Both boys were handy the next morning to help Rodney move out some of his drying equipment for transport back to Kansas.

Barney and Dorothy came over on the 26th for my left-overs....crackers, dips, and the traditional sloppy joes. The next night, I went to their house for their traditional left-overs...ham, sweet potatoes, green beans, and hot rolls.

Regardless of the time or place, sharing time with family is what makes Christmas.

After'mas 2012

We celebrated Christmas here a few days after Dec. 25 because the Kansas side had full schedules and because Christmas spirit has no date limits for festivites. After dinner, and a surprise visit from Sally Ann Pippett Tietz and Aunt Dorothy, we opened presents. Conversations past midnight made early morning wake-ups the next day not so early. But, Rodney and I had time for our traditional chat while the others pulled themselves together for the trip home.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2012

I went to Dorothy and Barney's Christmas Eve to open presents. Then went there for dinner Christmas Day. (Ham, yummy sweet potatoes, green beans, cresent rolls) In the afternoon, Dot and I visited sister Norma. The streets near her place were thick with ice. SCAREY!

Best Christmas Ever 2011

This year we were able to celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25. No blizzard interference so we took our time and relaxed. Andrew and Elizabeth headed back to Lawrence around 1 am. Kelly, Rodney and I stayed up until 4:30am talking and spent most of the next day in conversation while Adam and Heather slept.

House Lighting

Simple and minimal this year.