When Silas, wearing yesterday's clothes he'd fallen asleep in, popped into our third-floor bedroom with a cheery, "Merry Christmas!" we were still sound asleep after our all-too-brief night. I made some room on the bed, telling him this year was a little different because we'd gone to sleep so late and our friends were downstairs on the couches. He'd need to be patient, and I encouraged him to lay down with us and get a little more rest. Fortunately it didn't take much for him to doze off deeply. By the time he awoke again, the rest of us were on our feet with presents delivered under the tree and stuffed stockings lined up on the couches in anticipation of his arrival.
With the help of multiple hands, both the chocolate chip oatmeal bake and a yummy new egg bake were set to bake in the oven before we all gathered in the living room. Pedro started our time together by reading the biblical narrative of the birth of Christ. Then the opening of stocking gifts began. I always enjoy sitting back and watching as the curious little items Pedro and I have discovered and collected are unwrapped. It's helpful to have siblings flying down from the States so we can add things not readily available here! This year the black (cherry) "Naughty" and white (peppermint) "Nice" tic tacs were a particular hit.
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And then it was time to gather around the tables in the back room for Christmas brunch where we each took turns saying what we love about Jesus. Somewhat impromptu was a gentle singing of "Happy Birthday, Jesus" with our children and what mesmerized me most was the lack of any goofiness but rather simple recognition that He truly deserves the celebration. This tradition of pausing and sharing food and presence together is special to me.
Eventually we cleaned up and returned to the living room for the distribution of gifts. Our family tradition is three gifts from Mom and Dad to children (in keeping with the three gifts of the Magi.) For our sons, one of those gifts is invariably a Lego set because no matter how old they've grown it seems they truly enjoy not only the gift but the comfortable familiarity of spending Christmas afternoon peacefully putting it together. This year, I thought we might surprise our visiting friends Cata and Ibodne - who are both creative artists in their own ways - with Lego sets, too. They were a hit! Just for fun and to remember, these were the sets this year:
- Owen, LEGO Architecture Paris- Ian, LEGO Technic Koenigsegg Jesko (car)- Alec, LEGO I Am Groot- Silas, LEGO Technic Garbage Truck- Cata, LEGO Bird's Nest (and flowers)- Ibodne, LEGO Creator Rabbit (and flowers)
Through the mail, we'd sent Eva a Lego set in Iowa also. A couple of days later, she texted pictures from her apartment as she listened to an audio book we'd given her on the CD player we bought her, and the cute figure of Dobby (also the name of one of her two cats) came together. Not having Eva with us on Christmas was bittersweet, but we're thankful she could be with Aunt Nina and Uncle Kyle and the cousins, and for video calls with her and our parents to bridge the distance at least a little bit.
Something that was special to Pedro and me this year was observing our older two sharing gifts they purchased on their own for family members. Isabel brought Liberty University-themes items for everyone while Owen outfitted his teenaged brothers with tank tops and pajama pants; added to Isabel's water bottle collection, much to her delight; and made Silas' day with yet another capybara.
Several of us napped on various pieces of furniture during the warm afternoon. Pedro made a yummy turkey soup; Ibodne created a delicious spicy pebre; I fried up mini sopaipillas; and Cata made us cute Christmas-themed fruit and marshmallow shish kabobs. In the evening we watched "The Hundred-Foot Journey" movie in Spanish which as expected, our friends greatly enjoyed with its themes of fine cuisine and international friendship.
I write all this not because it's earth shattering or deeply insightful, but because the sweet, calm fellowship of a simple, restful day spent with family and friends-like-family who love Jesus and one another was my dearest gift this year. I am thankful to God, and that is why I want to remember this Christmas.
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