Christmas

Santa was here. And we have wonderful memories.

Part I:
December came in with a bang, two storms within a week of each other delivered about 11 inches of snow here in Chanhassen. And then it got cold, really cold. It kept most everything white and set us up for a white Christmas.

About two weeks before, we took Galen to pick out a tree. We kinda kept him focused on the shorter trees and we thought, at first, it was gonna be a Charlie Brown tree, but he ended up settling on a 4 foot fir. Our decorations (pewter, crystal, and other things not kid-safe) are in storage so it was off to Target for decorations - plastic. Galen and Shanna strung the lights and hung the ornaments. Every morning Galen reveled in turning on the tree.

Just days before Christmas I got a call from an old, dear friend, Randy. He was in Chicago and unable to be with his family over the holiday so it was quickly decided that here (our home) was much better than there (a hotel).

We made cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve . Using Grandma's secret Reindeer-attracting recipe, Galen rolled the dough, and helped Shanna cut them out, and then smear the on the filling. The cookies, along with a glass of milk were placed by the fireplace for Santa. The Christmas tree was left lit so Santa would stumble in the dark.

Part II:
The next morning Galen discovered that the milk and some of the cookies were gone. One even had a great big set of teeth marks. We then were off to the tree to see what Santa had left. Galen read off the tags and delivered the presents; he loved it. Santa, friends and family were kind to us all.

The snow started just before noon and hadn't stop when we went to bed. All in all it ended up being another 2 1/2 inches of whiteness. I went for a walk during the snow drops, it was quiet and wonderful. What little dirty snow had existed before was cleansed.

I had planned an early dinner, but it ended up getting served at the normal time of 6 PM. It was a marvelous (if I do say so myself) prime rib with horseradish sauce and a baked potato with chives, butter, and sour cream. Yummy yummy.

Epilogue:
Randy's gone, off to his home and family. Galen enjoyed having uncle Randy around and I enjoyed the conversation and extra set of eyes.

This was the first Christmas that Galen was an active, semi-knowledgeable participant. Next year will be even more exciting. And soon thereafter it will build when Liam gets into the spirit.

Now I feel & understand what I've heard, Christmas is for the children.