Christmas Memories (By Lisa)
So, for me, I always love to think about Christmas morning in the Petaluma house. As odd as it may seem, waiting at the top of the stairs until Dad said we could go downstairs on Christmas morning is one of my favorite memories. That house was magical at Christmas, thanks to Mom's decorating. It was so fun to anticipate going down and see Dad's eyes twinkle as he went down to light the trees and keep us at bay as long as he dared.I also loved to play Christmas music really loud and dance around with only the tree lights on, or sit by the blazing fireplace and stare and squint at the Christmas tree lights in Petaluma.I have to say one of my favorite Christmas memories from years later, in Ukiah, was the year we had puppets for the nativity--Rebecca, Tracey, Jenni weren't you all puppetiers? Also, the video recording of the Sisters song with stand-ins for the missing sisters. And of course, the remake of the song to the general as "We'll follow Grandma wherever she wants to go..." I loved the Stocking Stuffer story by the Terribles too. I guess Mom was right, "you make your own fun." I think we're pretty good at that. I loved singing the Christmas carols together and playing the chimes. And laughing too. Remember when Andrea sat on her present? Well, Angela, Giovana and Robin were there for that at least. How old were you then An? Maybe 9? I think most of us laughed and cried our way through the special Christmas videos that were made and shared by the Halters and the Morrisons in different years.I've been thinking I might have my kids help make a Christmas chain this year. I enjoyed the ones we made and sent to each other, but I think that is more challenging now that the number of households in the family has grown much higher. Anyhow, I think we will make one that has link with each person's name on it and the kids can be thinking about how many relations they have--people who we love and who love them.Last year a friend gave us a book with stories and poems for 25 days leading up to Christmas. We started reading it on December 1st. The book began with The Gift of the Magi. I always love that story and it was new to my kids. So I look forward to reading more with them as Christmas approaches.It's really our interactions and the love we show to one another that makes life fulfilling and joyful. Thank you to all of you for being you and for loving me. I have had a very blessed life because of you, my family. I love you.