Here are some glimpses of Christmas this year. We got some snow on several occasions, but not enough to make a White Christmas. Sadly, just enough to make me miss many days of work and wreck my car trying to get there to boot!
We took a trip up to Portland for Josef’s first visit with Santa Claus. He politely requested a remote control backhoe and a remote control trash truck. We then went for a sunset hike to the top of Mt Tabor before visiting the grotto for their fantastic light display.
Josef did indeed receive his hoped for gifts from Santa. This was the first year that he was really cognizant of the Christmas gift-giving and all the junk food that is doled out. It was a challenge for me to try and mitigate the effects of the rampant consumerism and indulgence that have permeated the holiday. I much prefer the Christmas spirit to be embodied by hope and peace and kindness and love, but of course these things pale in comparison to eggnog and advent calendars. It’s a long-term project…
For New Year’s we went up to stay with some good friends in Portland who also have kids. We rung in the new year playing Settlers of Catan and listening to Lionel Richie with the kids all sound asleep; it was the best New Year’s I’ve had since 2011! This nicely illustrates how my life has changed since fatherhood.
-
- Making gingerbread houses with Grandma Mary
-
- First visit to Santa
-
- Festival of Lights at the Grotto
-
- Josef was quite weary after riding home from school in freezing rain!
-
- Josef’s best friends Harris and Lillian came over for a romp in the snow and hot chocolate.
-
- A lovely day for a hike on Christmas Eve
These pictures are priceless. Thank you for spreading the wonder.