After writing at least three letters to Santa Claus, talking to him every day on the North Pole Communicator radio, and meeting him in person, the sleigh landed in Long Beach and he did not disappoint. On Christmas Eve, we attended the 5:00 pm candlelight service at Bayshore to light our candles and sing Silent Night. The Armstrongs joined us this year for both the service and for sushi afterwards (per recent tradition), and the service did not disappoint either. It is definitely something that I look forward to in particular--the candles, the low lighting, and the singing of Silent Night--before we get the house ready for the arrival of Santa (and the Baby Jesus of course).
Actually, this year we awoke Christmas Eve morning to the snowflake decorations of our Christmas Elf Tommy. As good elves do, Tommy cut out about 10 giant snowflakes and attached them to the dining room fan so that Santa would know that he was welcome here. We also put up the glowing lights in our windows so that Santa could find us, watched Santa's progress on the NORAD Tracker online, and sprinkled the front lawn with reindeer sparkles...and of course, left milk, cookies, and carrots for the reindeer. But after all the preparation, Bible stories, carols, and candles it was time for bed at 8:30 pm so that Santa could do his thing.
As expected, I awoke at 5:10 am and woke-up Dad. Mommy and Chris slept until almost 7:00 am so it was absolute torture to wait to open the presents and stockings that Santa left for us. Fortunately, Steve Jobs gave us the iPad which helps to pass the time when little brothers sleep-in, but in the end all the waiting was worth it. Chris got his "schedule" (the art easel) he had been pining for. I got my USC football helmet and uniform. And Chris got his robot dinosaur (Zoomer) that is all the rage. Fortunately, we got to spend time around the house setting-up and playing-with our toys. We had Max and Lina over for Christmas dinner in afternoon, and had a wonderful Christmas Day with friends and family. We were sad to watch our final Christmas movies and hear our final Christmas carols for the year, but we were pretty grateful for our health, family, friends, and all the blessings of Christmas 2014.
Because Christmas was on a Thursday this year, it meant that although Dad had to go back to work the next day the weekend was right around the corner. Dad got to see his good friend Devin in Anaheim (who was visiting from Japan) on Friday afternoon so we got to stay in Long Beach for the weekend. We built more of our Christmas presents on Saturday. USC barely won its Holiday Bowl game against Nebraska Saturday night and we got to eat Lucille's ribs, hot wings and pizza with Stacy and Kurt for the game. On Sunday, we went back to church with the Armstrongs for the carol service, donuts, and poinsettias. Because I haven't had any sports, games or practices over the break, Dad and Mom have been complaining that I have too much energy to burn. So, Sunday afternoon Mom had a baby shower and Dad pledged to burn all my energy. Chris, Dad and I played tennis at El Dorado Tennis Courts, golfed at Heartwell Park, and played basketball at the Lakewood YMCA. It was a 6 hour run of sports but I finally called uncle at 5:30 pm and laid down on the basketball court.
It was a great Christmas weekend. Thanks to everyone who chipped in with presents, gifts, and good memories. And most of all, thank you to Santa (and baby Jesus) for delivering on another year of promises!
No comments:
Post a Comment