We drove over to St. Henry last evening for my mom's family Christmas. She is one of 11 children, who along with all my cousins, and in-laws, and cousins kids, manage to fill up a hall pretty quickly. It's always a nice time, with great food, socializing, and of course Santa. He delivers a gift to every child, who waits in anticipation for their name to be called. My kids were revved up to say the least. One of my older kids, to my dismay was completely ungrateful this year. She got a crafty bracelet kit, that I knew she'd enjoy, but for some reason, she was a real turd about it. I tried to have a talk with her later...you know, about how some kids get nothing at Christmas, etc...but she wouldn't hear it. Of course today she loves it and has been crafting every chance she gets. But, I'm left thinking of her "attitude" and how everyone around her was very aware of her little performance. Geesh, I always thought "beggars can't be choosers," but I guess I was wrong.
Anyway, the evening went on a success, and even little Lucy had the time of her life...walking all over the place! She got new shoes for her birthday earlier this week, and I think it was just what she needed to motivate. Too cute. (and yes, she had shoes before, but I'm not big on putting shoes on little ones before they're walking...seems unnecessary.)
As we drove home after 9, the kids pointed out one farm just outside of St. Henry that had a large lighted star mounted high up on their silo. I got little goosebumps, that for as long as I can remember back to my childhood, we watched for this same star as we drove home from my grandparents every Christmas eve. Little Christmas traditions. For these I'm grateful.
