I'm dreaming of a White-but-it's-too-warm-at-50-degrees Christmas

It sure didn't feel like Christmas up here in New England - we were at 50 degrees, which pleased the kids as they trekked outside to toss a ball... but to me Christmas needs to be homey and snowy and comfy.

It started at Christmas Eve mass. The 4 p.m. mass had the Children's Choir which was adorable with their off-key solos and high pitch instruments (Brady did NOT like the flute - Tom had to take him out!). The room was bright and overflowing as usual, but our beloved priest, Father Dennis, is still in Iraq until next August. We had an interim priest assigned to us who is pleasant... but NOT Father Dennis. I spoke about the transition last August. And as I sat there during the homily listening to Father Bomba drone on about the lineage of Jesus Christ (wasn't the Gospel going back 28 generations enough?) I recalled to Tom how last year at this time Father Dennis was telling us about the Christmas presents he received - like the pornographic ladies calendar from his brother to the rows of brown socks to the bottle of wine from a well-meaning aquaintenance (he is an alcoholic). He made us laugh and feel warm to our toes.

THEN, after the homily from Boringville, the cloud of incense that was hovering over the congregation made its way to our side, which made me get up and leave to get a breath of fresh air. The incense was so strong and rampant that people were coughing and one alter server threw up in the bathroom. Ahh... what a great experience!

Christmas day was fun - Michael woke up not too early - around 8 - and we all gathered in the living room to open presents from Santa. Brady joined us soon after and was immediately placed in his Baby Einstein Exersaucer. He kept staring at himself in the little mirror, probably wondering who that kid was. We had a great day, going off to Tom's family's then to mine. There was a bit of clouds over us at Tom's family's as we were reminded of his mother who passed away six months ago. It was our first Christmas without her.

Meanwhile, the entire day was in the 50's, I think, which may be nice for Florida, but here in New England you want snow for Christmas. It was even a little overcast and sprinkled later on while I was putting presents in the car to bring home. Brady did well with little sleep and both boys and Tom and I cleaned up well wherever we went! :) Michael was especially excited to get his Scout knife after earning his Whittlin' Chip at a Cub Scout campout. However, he had it in his head he was going to carry it from now on in his pocket like his dad, which we quickly put an end to.

Tonight, I sit here amidst toys and clothes and music, realizing how lucky we are to have such caring friends and family. This has been such an up and down year - Brady getting worse, Brady getting better, Tom's mother dying - and through it all we have had such great support. So thank you to all of you - toilet scrubbers and all! As Michael would say (since seeing Scrooge, The Musical a few weeks ago this is all he's been saying):
Thank you very much!
Thank you very much!
That's the nicest thing you've ever done for me!
Thank you very much!
Thank you very much!
Thank you very very very much!