Here it is the morning after Christmas. It is 6:30 am. Coffee just finished brewing. I am the only one in the house who is awake, and all is dark except a few terrarium lights and the glow from the laptop. The wind is blowing. I take the moment to reflect on yesterdays events.

For the 1st time since my mother’s last Christmas in 2012 we were hosts to 25 guests and revelers for the holiday. Family, longtime friends and new faces descended upon the home that was my mother and father’s for over 40 years. New friends were made, old relationships renewed, family ties were bound. And laughter filled the air.

Our Christmas Eve celebrations brought old and new traditions together for an evening of merry making and memories were made. Brought together by the hope of glad tidings and bound in the common goal of love and joy. Dear friends joined in caroling, a long standing tradition in our celebrations which had fallen by the wayside in recent years. Family joined in games, which had replaced our typical Christmas Eve celebrations which they enjoyed immensely. And the blending of new with old traditions, family and friends was forged together in one harmonious goal of Yuletide bliss.

Christmas Day found us with a few more family members and another group of friends both old and new coming together in celebration of the grand and festive occasion. Most were delighted to be here and each did what they could to aid in the atmosphere of Christmas Spirit along with the many household chores which had quantified significantly with so many people gathered and the large amount of cooking going on.

This morning I am confident that my mother would have been happy to have seen the house filled once again with laughter, joy, and love.

Celebrations continue as family are still here for another day or two. In our home we also celebrate Hanukkah, which happened to begin on Christmas night this year. I will admit that our menorah was kindled a bit later that what is tradition given the fact that it was Christmas. However, once again, in a new 1st, family who had never kindled the lights nor sung the prayers in Hebrew, were delighted to join in the ritual which is now in its 9th year for me.

In the gospel of Luke chapter 2 we find the nativity story. Recited in many church’s, pageants, services, and homes this time of year. Usually only read from verse 1-14. However, if we read a bit further we see that in verse 19 it says “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” For many years now I particularly enjoy that verse for it gives us an opportunity for pause. To take time to treasure the events of the last few days. To really consider the gravity of such an occasion as Christmas. To reflect upon the year that was had, as it draws to a close.

I encourage each of you to pause and reflect in the coming days on all that has been not just for the Christmas and holiday season, but indeed on the year you have had. Listen for the laughter that filled the air.

Father Christmas of the Three Mountains