Is that right? I need help counting napkins and plates in order to set the table, and exactly how many need a seat for dinner. And we aren’t even all here yet.Our oldest daughter and her family won’t arrive until Christmas Eve on the ferry from Juneau -and yes, thank God it’s the Kennicott– a big one- and unlike the trusty little LeConte, will not be canceled due to high winds and rough seas. Speaking of rough seas, everyone is talking about the cold. The predictions are for a brutal deep-freeze beginning tomorrow through Wednesday. Highs in the minus digits– which is really rare here. By Thursday it should warm up and snow. We can be indoors this weekend at the school basketball games (the women’s choir sings The Star Spangled Banner tomorrow) and the Tinsel and Tidings variety show is Sunday at 2pm in the Chilkat Center. Suzy and her crew are working hard to make the holiday magic happen.
Also, there is an ornament making craft session at the Fair tomorrow afternoon that we will try to attend.
In the meantime, I missed the first ever Episcopal Women’s Christmas Luncheon at Kristine’s house because I haven’t made time to check my email. It was especially bad because there are so few of us now, and we don’t have a priest in town, so for the first time in years there is no proper midnight Christmas Eve mass or Christmas morning service. It will be odd to celebrate a Christmas without my church, and I’m trying not to be too disappointed because everyone is here– but we will sing carols at home, and they tell the wonderful old story, and that’s what matters. Keeping Christmas in your heart and all that—
(And yes, I know, I’m at my desk now, but that is because I promised myself and you, to write daily in December. It’s my way of creating an Advent devotional. I may not be hitting the mark every time, but the idea, the theme– is giving the gifts that we are able to, that involve time, kindness, a smile, a moment. I figure this is what I can do.)
,
Today, a friend from far away wondered if I knew how lucky I was to be here with my gang — she and her kids and grandkids don’t always see eye-to-eye–
I do. Every second I’m grateful.
Here’s something to think about out: everybody loves a happy baby. My mantra for tomorrow– and this whole season with the family — Be a happy baby. (And hold on tight to the happiness that comes my way.)
