Tradition!

This year we decided to spend Thanksgiving at home. It was a culinary adventure for me, but no one died, and Steve did all of the dishes. We missed the families. The up side was that the time we would have spent driving, we used to deck our halls. Somehow I always end up doing the lights. I've decided to learn to love that job. I have a suspicion it will be my job forever. We Cristmas-ified our place whilst joyeous carols pealed. Wahoo! Jess is conducting the concert in front of the tree. Go Loolie! We celebrate the German Christmas tradition of St. Nicolaus Tag ( http://www.wf-f.org/st.nicholas.html ). Here's a brief explanation. I am sort of giggling to myself that he's the patron saint of unmarried girls and sailors. What an ironic juxtaposition! We tell Jess the stories were heard, and include Black Peter of course. She's still thinking about that part. We left our shoes by the front door, and SHAZAM! the next morning we all had a little treat in them, or next to them. Depending on the state of your shoes, your treat could become not so sweet! Jess was excited to find a package of m&m's in her shoe. Of course she'd be happy to find an m&m under the couch cushion..about anywhere really! She asked why there was a ribbon on the package. I told her St. Nic wanted to make them fancy. Ahhhh... she says thoughtfully. That's what makes something fancy. m&m's and an epiphany on fancy. What a great day!

My Hughes Mom gave us a service ornament last year so I broke it out. We do a secret service for someone in the family and leave it on their pillow. Steve and I started with Jessica. We helped her clean up her room, and set up her own little Christmas tree in her room, and explained the process. The next evening I helped her do something for Steve. The next day was hectic. When I got home , Steve had gotten everything ready that I needed for a new recipe I was trying! Wahoo to the service ornament. I think we may want to do this all year!