Christmas was not the holiday we were expecting….here in our corner of the world it was cold and raining and it froze a night or two but you could still fly, drive, bus, train it in…however?  The rest of the family lives in slightly snowier regions of the world or had to fly, drive, bus and train it through slightly snowier parts of the world.

So Christmas found my house full with Master, our teen (okay he is 18 but he is still a teen…right?) his oh so sweet girlfriend, the little man’s Crapaw, Mom, Keith and his father, Miss Sarah and her family and a few stragglers who flowed in and out during the day.

It was nice…yes, we missed the crowd that is usually our holiday family but, it was nice.  We will simply celebrate later or mail gifts or what have you.

I did manage to make it through the Christmas Eve concert – I sat on a stool rather than stand and Master had to help me on and off the stage but I made it through.  It was, as always, magical. 

My favorite gift?  I could not begin to say but one that I hold close was the “gift of nothing” a friend sent me…essentially saying that rather than try to buy the perfect gift she was giving me the gift of nothing – a warm hug, a welcoming smile, a heartfelt prayer – the gift of nothing that meant so much.

I also heard from a special friend who I have missed in recent months – I love you chica – and that made me smile so much.  Phone tag sucks but when you are both finally there and able to chat?  Paradise…

Our boy gifted us with straight ‘A’s for his first semester at college as well as detailing our cars (a new skill he has learned at work) and a home cooked meal planned, purchased and prepared by himself and Master each night as I run from rehearsal to rehearsal to doctor’s appt to massages to…you get the idea.

It was a most special day and I have just four more rehearsals til the last concert of the year and then I can relax…for a bit…