Comfort and Joy

Christmas if over until next year. The last of the chocolate treats have been eaten, the leftovers crowding the fridge have been tossed, the house is oddly quiet and I'm filled with a lovely warmth, tired but happy, and popping the buttons of my jeans.

It was an awesome Christmas, relaxed, easy and full of family and joy. Like the last two Christmases, my family came to us and the traditions were strengthened.

Just like the last two years, Yiayia made the traditional French Canadian Christmas Eve meal of Ragout and Tortierre.

Followed by a homemade Buche de Noel, which made Athena and Zoe lick their plates.

The table was set with the fancy silver, holiday tablecloth and homemade place cards.

Before dinner we went to the candlelight service at our church

then posed the little girls in front of the Christmas tree (the Dude wasn't having any part of it).

After a delicious meal and dessert, everyone was allowed one present. New jammies mostly.

And some personalized towels for Baba and Nana.

In their new Christmas PJs, the worn out girls left milk and cake for Santa and then didn't wake up until past 8 on Christmas morning. We got up at 6:15 to prepare for the morning and then waited around, drinking coffee, until the sun hit their rooms in the right way and they finally woke up.

We used the early hours of the morning to get to know the darling present Santa left.

Finally awake, the kids jumped on their Santa toys. Zoe just knew she was getting a kitten, she was certain of it as Santa had promised her last year, so there wasn't that much surprise on her part, just joy. Athena was thrilled with her Rapunzel dress and stuffed animals and the Dude would not let go of his Batman car.

Fresh, homemade cinnamon rolls were prepared while the kids played. Mmmm.
PopPop consumed some coffee (in his Christmas jammies).

But we couldn't linger too long as there were many, many presents to get to.

It took the better part of the morning to get through everything under the tree and we were all spoiled beyond belief.Lots of Giants gear, Tangled items, a swingset!!, wonderful clothes, princess stuff, Sing-a-ma-jigs, toy cars, etc...

But some special gifts outshadowed all others.

It was truly joyful celebration!
Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!