Christmas Eve & Christmas 2020

Sometimes the changes life tosses our way turn into very sweet moments. Christmas Eve 2020 was for me an example of this. The late afternoon found our family gathered with the Fishers, Sharps and Jenn Taylor around multiple long tables layered with festive red and green cloths in our "schoolroom." Our meal included grilled chicken and chorizos, vegan veggies, keto salads, Chilean rice and Aunt Pam's famous homemade macaroni and cheese. There was an air of acceptance after a year of stressful circumstances. Relaxed humor, reminiscing and companionship lifted spirits around the room.

No one was in a hurry. We took time to clean up at our home while Sharps joined Fishers at theirs. Aunt Noni stayed, hanging out and talking with the kids. Pedro showered after a hot afternoon laboring at the grill and then we all gathered, refreshed, at the Fishers' home for a Christmas Eve service. We sang carols that Noni had printed, having previously requested several favorites from our families. Pedro shared a devotional, followed by a quiet time of reflection and the Lord's Supper. Afterwards desserts were shared in abundance, including varieties of Christmas cookies and a multi-layer banana cake for Aunt Pam's birthday and a chocolate keto cake and singing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus. 

Later after walking the few steps home, our family exchanged the one gift apiece we open on Christmas Eve. For the past few years, all of our kids have enjoyed the tradition of going an evening to Iquique's famous "feria navideña" with the name of a sibling or parent chosen at random and supposedly in secret. It was most people's guess that COVID-19 would cancel the feria this year, as it had so much else. But surprisingly it did not, though the selection was less broad and restrictions were purportedly in place such as taking temperatures and sanitizing hands and limiting occupancy (the latter not at all well enforced.)

Sissy had Silas' name and "cinco mil" goes a long way with kids' toys of feria caliber. He was over the moon with two foam water shooters, three imitation Lego Minions figures, and a pair of water goggles. Sissy's name was chosen by Owen and she is always tricky to buy for, but she'd given the hint of wanting Iquique mementos to take to college. He thoughtfully bought an Iquique-stenciled miniature leather backpack and a wooden magnet painted with a familiar scene. Owen's name was chosen by Ian and he found a cool combo of sunglasses, cologne and pocket watch in a box for his appreciative big brother. I had Ian's name and was tickled to find a vendor selling LED lighting tape in my price range, with which Ian promptly lined his bunkbed as colorful nightlights! In the same vein, Silas who had Alec's name had chosen a disco ball which bounced bright colors in every direction. Alec had Daddy's name and very conscientiously struggled over his choices, finally settling on a "La U" clock which Pedro appreciated. And Daddy had Mommy's name, knowingly choosing three pairs of artisan dangling earrings from a Colombian jewelry stand where I've shopped often before.

Often we have our daily viewing of "The Nativity Story" on Christmas Eve, but this year we opted to wait until the following day. Regardless, it was a late night for parents with final packing and preparing our traditional oatmeal bake receipt for the next morning but a number of podcasts helped the hours go by.  Christmas Day was overall calm and quiet. Before opening stocking gifts, we took a picture with Eva's red stocking in her honor (and because we were missing her!) Later in the day, conversations took place through video and groups chats with grandparents in the United States and we enjoyed pictures of them modeling personalized shirts we'd chosen for them. Our boys as is customary worked on new Lego creations, and Owen tested out an amateur woodworking set he received as a gift. Daddy patiently pieced together Silas' new tabletop "taca taca" (foosball) set and they enjoyed a few games together. 

It was a different Christmas with the weight of this year and separation from our oldest daughter upon it, but it was meaningful all the same. Every moment, every memory, every treasured tradition is all the more special in this uncertain world. Christ has come, and without Him nothing in this life would have any purpose at all.