Nora slept in the living room Christmas Eve and slept SO soundly that she didn’t even know Santa had come!

Before long the big kids were up and excited about the array of gifts that were neatly placed beneath the tree. In no time at all the living room was transformed into a chaotic mess of wrapping paper and gift boxes.

After all the presents were opened, Gavin and Greta couldn’t hide their disappointment that the one thing(s) they’d asked for weren’t there under the tree. We explained that maybe Santa didn’t have room in his sleigh for the motorized scooter or the loft bed and maybe they’d get those things next year. After some of the wrapping paper was cleaned up, I remembered a couple of gifts I’d wrapped for William that were still in the basement. Gavin went down to get those for me, and when he did, he discovered something else!!! He hurried back up the steps yelling to Greta to hurry, come see what was down there!!

There they were! Two giant boxes – one addresses to Gavin and one for Greta! We guessed that maybe Santa brought them in the basement door and then they were too heavy to bring upstairs.

Greta got her loft bed after all!

And Gavin got his scooter!

Nornor FINALLY woke up and opened her gifts. Santa brought her some neat toys!

Then it was time to continue the celebrations at Nana and Papa’s house. Nornor was a very good girl in the car. She squealed some Christmas carols before drifting off to sleep.

More presents and more fun!!

Even the dog-cousins enjoyed themselves!

Nornor was absolutely stunning in her red velvet Christmas dress.

We found a sticker on one of the dog-cousin’s new toys that said, “I SQUEAK” It seemed only appropriate for Nornor!

She will tell you all about it:

Nora and Nana shared a special moment after a most delicious Christmas dinner.

Yusko Family Christmas Portrait

Nana & Papa with their sweet brood of grandchildren. There will be another addition in February! (No – not from the Yusko family!!!!!)

As we were leaving to go home I spotted the infamous musical ornament that once hung in the basement of my now deceased Grandparents. I gently pulled the string as the familiarJingle Bells joyously tinkled forth. It brought me straight back to Christmas Eve when I was little. I could almost see my Grandpa smiling at my reaction as he pulled that very string for me. Accompanied by the cozy smell of a warm crackling fire this happy little ornament WAS Christmas past. I recalled the Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa’s when I was the last one out of the car. For some reason, despite my young age, I had the foresight to capture that moment in my heart forever. I couldn’t have been but 7 or 8, but there I stood just outside the car staring and smiling up at the starry moonlit sky looking for Santa’s sleigh. Crisp cold air infused my lungs and the low din of voices and laughter beckoned me inside. A fresh thin layer of snow crunched beneath my patent leather shoes as I made my way toward the house smiling in anticipation at what was sure to be “the best Christmas EVER” – and it was.

This ornament reminded me how quickly “Christmas present” becomes “Christmas past”. I was warned not to let one moment slip by too fast. Take a minute to soak in these treasures as I did all those years ago.

When we got home Nora wanted to take a moment (or 60) to soak in the baff. Christmas wouldn’t be complete without another Christmas baff!

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19 NIV)