It’s almost game time. The house is clean, the candles are stocked, the sheets have been washed, the favorite foods are ready to slide into the oven, the music is cued, the shopping is finished and the kids are silly excited. I know it’s not about any of the above–that the house could be a mess, the sheets in shambles and not a twinkly light more than our own little shine and we’d be grateful and happy for all of it. Because having each other is so much in itself. But I’m also grateful that we’re able to do the extra stuff–the song and dance–and I’m worm-holed back to the holidays of my childhood that make me forever entranced by the magic of Christmas. Also, the house clean, sheets washed and fridge stocked all at once happens once a year, so let me have this one. One more thing–I’m thankful for Nat King Cole. Aren’t you glad he recorded all those Christmas songs? Wish I could bake him some cookies, drop them off and tell him how happy I am that he made music.
We did our annual family shopping trip this week, highlighted by the usual favorites–visiting Santa, Outback dinner, photo booth, ice cream. Nobody cried on Santa’s lap, and I’m happy to report he had a real beard. Nella reached out for Lainey’s hand as they approached Santa and without even looking down, Lainey took it. She just knew, without even seeing the hand that was outstretched, that her calm assurance was requested. It–like everything else this time of year–made me cry.
I love these memories.
The kids will wear new handmade slippers, crocheted by my mama, tonight–the first gift of the season, opened this morning with Grandma beaming on the Skype screen. I’m thankful for technology which pulls my family close this time of year. FaceTime cousin pajama chats tonight and cousin texts a’flying tomorrow with pictures of set tables and toasts and lots of “Miss You!”s.
And here’s today’s snowball fight, thanks to a sweet friend who sent us “snowballs” from Michigan.
Nella KILLED it.
I love Christmas Eve. It’s like a wedding where everyone you love is in one room dancing, getting just tipsy enough to drop the life game crap and tell you how they really feel, and it sounds like “Man, I love you!” For the record, it can also bring up weird sad stuff–ghosts from the past, regrets, family nostalgia, yada yada. I feel a little bit of that too this time of year, and I make sure to stretch my arms out as far as they can go and feel it all. Hearts are big, they can stretch, trust them. You’re happier in the end if you just stretch now and feel it. No recoiling.
I’ve been open about my “I don’t know what the hell” approach to marrying my Jesus-heavy strange religious past to my present faith, and Christmas can bring some of that up. But there’s one song this year that I’ve listened to over and over–and I’ll listen to it again tonight–that embodies such a simple message of love–Nat King Cole’s “Cradle in Bethlehem.”
Sing sweet and low your lullaby
Till angels say, “Amen.”
A mother tonight is rocking
A cradle in Bethlehem.
I don’t know what I believe about Jesus being the son of God, but the story of love in his birth and his life feels familiar and comforting. And the phrase “a mother tonight is rocking a cradle in Bethlehem”–during a time of year when we’re tucking our babies to bed, grateful for every good, hard and beautiful thing we were blessed to encounter this year–feels relatable and good. I know that love. I feel that love. And it’s grounding. So I hang on to that.
And to all of you…Merry Christmas wherever you are. For all the good, hard and beautiful things we’ve experienced this year, I’m so glad there are places to feel loved and not alone in the world, and this new-fangled Internet thing (can we still call it new-fangled or I am just approaching another birthday and trying to stay young? Go ahead, teenagers. Roll your eyes.) sure gives us all a damn good outlet. From our family to yours…twinkle, twinkle, love, love.
Our crazy attempt at fun for the inside of our card this year. Everyone was such a great sport.
Now go light a candle. Give a hug. Cuddle up for a movie, sing a song, make a whole batch of cookies and eat six of them. Santa’s coming, we have work to do.
Much love, Merry Christmas.
The way Nella lovingly looked at her daddy brought tears to my eyes. And I LOVE your card. What a good sport those big brothers are. They must really love you 🙂
Merry Christmas to you and your family! May the Magic of Christmas bring peace, joy and love this season!
Your family is celebrating in a beautiful way and those white slippers are the cutest ever. Merry Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Kelle,
Wishing You, Brett, Lainey, Nella, Dash, Brandyn and Austyn and Sophie and Latte a very Merry Christmas.
xo
Nella is seriously just so adorable. I mean all of your children are, but the way she smiles and laughs — and her gorgeous hair! Precious. Merry Christmas to your family!
Always wonderful pictures. Love tge snowballs. Your card pictures are perfect. Happy holidays.
That pic of Nella throwing the ball with the ‘o’ face might just be my fav of her. What a beauty.
Happy Christmas kells from Ireland to you and your beautiful family, thank you for all the glitter, joy and sparkle you bring x
For God so loved the world he gave his only son.
Merry Christmas!
“For all the good, hard and beautiful things we’ve experienced this year, I’m so glad there are places to feel loved and not alone in the world.
It has been a rough year in this house, but still, thank God, together we gather at the tree. We love each other. We are not alone.
Thanks Kellie. xo
Merry Christmas to you all. Your card is great – as always! Cheers ~
What a happy and love filled post to read early Christmas morning.
Love, hugs, peace & joy to you all and may 2015 be a wonderful year.
FlowerLady
Merry Christmas to you and your family. That seed of faith creeps in when you don’t expect it, but need it. Have a wonderful day.
I love your Christmas pictures!! Such a good idea with the reindeer names! And Brandyn is so tall! Is he taller than Brett and Austyn now?
Love you guys and miss you!
Merry Christmas Hamptons! LOVE the card. Too funny!
Merry Christmas to you and your family Kelle! ❤️
Merry Christmas to you and yours! I love seeing pictures of your beautiful family and your fun Christmas cards every year.
I follow your blog but never comment. Love your heartfelt posts delivered with humour and a little attitude! First came across your blog last year and this year had our own little boy with Down Syndrome so I feel a greater connection now. Your beautiful photos inspire and encourage me to follow my dream of Michael living a life doing and experiencing all the things his 8 siblings do. It’s been a tough year at times but I feel excited (and at times overwhelmed)about providing a wonderful life for my little doll. Thanks for your candid blog. God bless you and your lovely family.
I love your card! Christmas is a funny time … one of cheer and one to remember memories that are dear. This was my second away from family and it was possibly a bit easier but I missed the craziness and love filled Christmas with everyone around. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Happy Christmas Kelle and all!! What fabulous Christmas card photos. 🙂 Love the humour that shines through.
That Christmas card is SOOOO cute and creative! Merry Christmas :)!!
Hope you and your family had a very Merry Christmas! Looking forward to this weekend as we celebrate more Christmas and a little one’s birthday too.
LOVE & Tejas blessings,
Melissa
We have those snowballs too, so much fun! Love your card.
Me and the church are crazy complicated too…. but that song has been getting me as well! I about fell off my chair when I read it here. I am thinking I need to forget about the church and look closer at the cradle. Merry Christmas and thank you for your beautiful words that just speak what is in my heart. It really helps untangle my thoughts.
Those pictures of Nella and Brett, is she coming her hair with the fork?! I love that, it reminded me of The Little Mermaid. “It’s a dinglehopper. Humans use these little babies to straighten their hair out. Just a little twirl here and a yank there and viola! Ya’ got an aesthetically pleasing configuration of hair that humans go nuts over!”
I’m loving your Christmas card with the reindeer. Too cute! Thank you for sharing your creativity and fun with all the mamas out there and extending your circle to those who only get to peek in at your lives and smile. Thanks for sharing your magic and encouraging us to create more of our own.
Love your Christmas cards ~ ~ too cute!!
Your card is the best! Hilarious and adorable!
The Outback pictures are priceless. Nella in her little yellow dress and Dash in his little red Keds…too sweet!