Christmas Eve was magical. The Moorpark air was crisp and cold as a California Winter's day should be. Our 3 lil' tumbleweeds danced and pranced all day long in anticipation of gifts. And Mima, Papa, Uncle Andrew and Grandma Gladys descended upon our LED lit home for our deGrassie family celebrations and a sleep over (minus John, Kelly and our precious baby Anna of course).
Late in the afternoon we dolled up the kids and hurried off to church. We sang Christmas carols and heard a beautiful message from our Pastor about the REAL gifts we've received as Christians, and should remember at Christmas: Peace, Hope, Reconciliation with God, Everlasting Life, The Word and the Person of Christ....
Then we assembled in the dining room for the traditional Eve meal of Buca di Beppo fabulousness. 
And then the wrapping paper went flying. Among the favorite gifts for Zach were a new Radio Flyer scooter, an 'Armor of God' dress up ensemble, and a book all about trucks. Jayden squealed when she caught the first glimpse of a new baby doll complete with diaper bag and accoutrement, and winked at Uncle when she discovered he'd given her 2 books about Princesses. Ollie acquired some excellent developmental toys and books, but of course found the most delight in a balloon from Trader Joes. 
Jesus was our central focus throughout the month, and Jayden especially latched on to every detail about His birth in the manger --from the Angels glorious proclamation to the Shepherds in the field, to King Herod's fear that this baby King threatened his rule. The biggest challenge is trying to get the kids to understand the connection between God's gift to us and our worldly practice of gift giving...all they see is "more stuff for me"!They've definitely figured out, however, that there is great JOY at Christmastime...the spectacle of lit houses, the fun of school performances, the fellowship with family and the privilege opening of piles of presents.
