Christmas is here . . . at least in our time zone!

Christmas morning, as we knew it would, has ceased it's silent but steady approach and is totally upon us now! I am relishing in the fact that I'm done with the related motherly chores pertaining to the holiday as I listen to one of my children hurriedly wrap packages she forgot to do earlier in the week. Trying not to be too complacent about this fact.


We are heading out to the 7:30 a.m. Mass this morning in the hope that the worst of the once-a-year Catholics attended either the 5:30 or Midnight Mass last night. We learned, long ago, that when you deal with children and Christmas, the best plan is to open presents after Mass as it almost insures good behavior during Mass. The 'tradition' has stuck throughout the years.


After Mass and the materialistic side of Christmas - gifts, I have to put the dinner in the oven as it takes a long, slow roasting. I made the bread for the crown pork roast stuffing last night and with the abundance of chocolate gifts, I don't think I need to think about making a dessert.


Also have some extra housecleaning . . . Yes, I know, it's Christmas, but we planned our annual party tomorrow to accomodate everyone's schedule. We are looking forward to it as it has been awhile since the whole gang has been together. I have some cooking for that to do, too, but I enjoy working toward a get together with good friends.


Off to Mass in hopes that the various laity, who think they are on par with the priest, do not do anything too weird for Christmas Day Mass! I'm praying the one rather hefty extraordinary minister has her chest modestly covered when she distributes Communion. We live and hope!


God bless everyone's day and I hope it is peaceful, wonderful, and shared with family and friends.

Christmas Blessings . . .!

From lands that see the sun arise
To earth's remotest boundaries,
The Virgin-born today we sing,
The Son of Mary, Christ the King.
Blest Author of this earthly frame,
To take a servant's form He came,
That, liberating flesh by flesh,
Whom He had made might live afresh.

Roman Breviary, Feast of Christmas, Hymn
A solis Ortus cardine at Lauds.
(Tr. J. Neale) (Sedulius, 5th century)

Early Morning Humor . . .

"That all men are equal is a proposition which, at ordinary times, no sane individual has ever given his assent."
-- Aldous Huxley

"When everyone is somebody, then no one's anybody."
-- W. S. Gilbert

"An effective way to deal with predators is to taste terrible."
-- Unknown