Christmas

Christmas eve morning shone bright and clear as we drove into downtown Leavenworth for Mass. It was our first visit to St. Joseph's, the first Carmelite parish in America and a distractingly beautiful church. The ceiling is painted a rich blue with silver stars so you feel wrapped in Our Lady's mantle the whole time you are there. Fr. Chris had a funny homily reflecting on Charlie Brown Christmas and the Nativity, and the kids all retold it many times.

In the afternoon, an icy snow was beginning to fall during our drive to the Nativity play at the post chapel. The kids all enjoyed their roles as shepherds, angels and a wise man (Thomas) and boomed out the carols with the rest of the congregation.

On Christmas morning I understood for the first time the excellent description "blanket of snow."  When I peered out into the front yard, I could not tell the difference between yards and roads and sidewalks, and even some cars were up covered to the tops of their tires.  In inches it was only a modest 6, but the Kansas wind made deep drifts in many places. 

With the help of a neighbor with a truck and snow-blade, Bill dug us out it time to make it to Mass.  There were about 30 brave souls, most of whom--like us--had people scheduled to help in some ministry that morning.  It was a quiet, anti-climactic experience compared to other years, but I reflected that the first Christmas was probably pretty similar until the angel choirs arrived. :)

The kids had opened their presents before Mass, so when we got home and back into pjs there was Ripstiking and scootering and generally merriment around the basement and board games once people were worn out.   We had some friends over for dessert and cheer in the evening before we all fell gratefully into bed.

Quote of the Day:  Everybody stop micromanging him!  --Anthony, frustrated with all the help Joseph was getting opening his gifts.