On the First Day of Christmas: Relaxation?

The final week of Christmas was such a flutter of activity, and knowing that the couple of weeks following would be the same, we thought it prudent to savor Christmas as a quiet family day. No guests. No big cooking. Just take it easy.

Naturally the children were up early and the Professor was there waiting for them. They had planned to get together early to decorate gingerbread cookies. This is an activity that Almamater does not particularly enjoy and saving it for Christmas morning gave me chance to sleep in a bit and buy some time before the first presents were opened. I came down refreshed and enjoyed the splendid sight of dozens of colorful cookies and the table already cleaned up (...Merry Christmas, Mommy!)

We finally let everyone choose a gift from under the tree to open this first day of Christmas; I couldn't help but notice the Prof was casually writing a Christmas card while watching the children tore into their presents. Then, a splendid Christmas morn breakfast (eggs with some of yesterday's smoked salmon...mmm-mmm as well as some delectable baked goods) during which I happened to spot the Prof penning a quick thank you note to someone. After breakfast, the Prof remembered he needed to go pick up some handbells that would be needed later at Mass. Upon his return, a couple of last minute phone calls to clear up some details with musicians.

In the afternoon, the Professor left a little over two hours before Mass so he could get set up and run some final rehearsals. The children and I stayed back getting dressed, taking curlers out, finding our nice wraps and shoes...just getting ready steadily but calmly. The liturgy music was gorgeous thanks to a small group of dedicated church members and a few professional musicians. During the Postlude, our friend Dalma Rodriguez sang the Mozart Alleluia(click on Track 1 for a sampling of the music) and absolutely shook the walls of the sanctuary.

After the Mass, we headed home for a wonderful candlelit dinner of spinach & cheese ravioli (thanks, Costco) and did, truly, relax.