A flame in the dark

Christmas Eve was a bright spot in a dull, dark week. Not only the weather, but some hard news- another job that'd passed us by- weighed down the end of Advent.

When Jon took the kids to AnnapaDCCity for a couple of days, so he could do research without causing me to take any leave time that I didn't have. As a result, for the first time since we had kids, I was home by myself for more than a few hours. I had 48 hours, to be exact. I thought at first it'd be depressing, or eerie, or lonely.

It was amazing.

The first day I just did housework and watched movies that I and only I like to watch. The second day, I had friends over for a Winter Solstice Party, something I've been dying to do for ages. It was just a couple of girlfriends, some beef stew, some mulled wine, and some RAINBOW COLORED FLAMES, made from some hippie crystals I'd bought online.

It was magical. 

We danced around the fire and threw in papers on which we'd written things we wanted to leave behind in 2015. I made deeper connections with these local friends and came out feeling SO encouraged and light. 

Annie and me. Sarah, another awesome celebrant, had to leave early. 

This event helped me get grounded in gratitude and joy for Christmas Eve. I needed it badly!

Christmas Eve was another kind of delight. It's rare we spend Christmas Eve in Blacksburg.

I wasn't prepared for how packed the church would be, or for how obviously grumpy some parishioners would be about this. We need to be careful lest we find we're going to a private country club instead of church.

Anyway, I'll spare you all the sermon, and give you some of what I know you want: pictures of the kids.

She and I wore black together for Christmas Eve. We felt elegant.

Me and my BOY

It's been a warm, but gorgeous December.

Sunset at church, Christmas Eve

Later that night....

The sky opened! Can you see the ring? I couldn't get a good picture with either camera but I'm telling you, there was a thick, dramatic, and rainbow-edged ring around the full moon on Christmas Eve. I thought the angels were on their way back. We stared at that moon in the 55 degree weather at 11:00 on Christmas Eve for a long time. That's my Christmas gift from God, in lieu of snow. 

Christmas Day was warm and comfortable and lovely. I missed the snow and the extended family, but we had a lovely time learning how to have Christmas morning as a little family of four.

The kids got to spend some time enjoying their Santa-gifts:

New outfit! Pajamas! And room decor...

Have I mentioned that Adele wants ALL PINK PRINCESSES ALL THE TIME right now? Sigh....

Miles' new ballet shoes!

But before long, we were on our way to Christmas Day in Lynchburg!