Christmas Stuff 2021

Here's a bunch of the little things we did over Christmas this year (though Christmas is still going for us, at least till the Feast of the Epiphany (January 6)).

The kids were getting antsy to decorate inside. The rest of our street was already decorated outside. We decided to put up the tree, the outdoor lights, and our outdoor nativity on the third Sunday of Advent, commonly called "Gaudete Sunday." Gaudete is the Latin word for "rejoice" and that Sunday is one of the two days in the liturgical year when Catholic priests wear rose-colored vestments (we'll leave aside the whole debate about whether the color is rose or pink). The timing was earlier than usual for us but it seemed appropriate liturgically. Also, the kids are grown-up enough not to pull down the tree.

Setting up the tree

We made and decorated Christmas cookies with family though I somehow missed on taking pictures with people!

A simple plate

An even simpler one

More complicated

Our dance studio hosted a Christmas party where they showed White Christmas. They served hot cocoa and desserts. People came dressed in pajamas. We even danced a bit. We brought the kids along and they were happy (for the most part) to participate.

Siblings on the floor!

We saw a lot of yard decorations on walks and at church.

Stable at church!

Snoopy celebrates 20 year of LOTR with a "YOU SHALL NOT PASS!" routine

A fun yard

A patriotic yard

An even more fun yard

We didn't get many pictures of present-opening because we were busy opening presents.

Grandchild and Granny work together

Opening gifts

The presents were wonderful and we are enjoying them a lot. Having family visit was great, as was hanging out with out-of-town family and friends over the internet. We've had a great holiday so far and are looking forward to more!