Although we typically open gifts on Christmas morning, we do occasionally decide to do it all on Christmas Eve instead. So I'm still up, way past my bedtime, with some reflections and new cozy slippers while my sons engage in nerf gun wars in the living room.
- There is always one gift that takes someone's breath away. This year, it was Matt's gift to Becky--a sonic screwdriver a la Dr. Who. She was overwhelmed. There is always one gift that is funny; this year there were several. Matt regifted the snuggie he got last year from Ben--to Ben. Ben gave Matt a gift card for Batteries Plus (where Matt works), in the amount of 50 cents. Much laughter ensued. In our lives with different schedules and now Matt's friend living with us, it is comforting to be all together in the same place, sharing our time with each other.
- I've never been good at staying awake until midnight, and Christmas Eve is certainly no exception. It appeared that several members of the choir experienced the same problem. We're still probably less tired than Mary was at the first Christmas.
- The "glo-o-o-o-o-ria" section of "Angels We Have Heard on High" offers many opportunities to catch up on yawning without looking like you're yawning.
- I will never experience the candlelight Christmas Eve service without remembering the time one of the children burned the hair of the woman sitting in front of us. I have forgotten which child it was, but I will always remember the horror I felt.
- The ceiling in the octagonal sanctuary at First United Methodist Church in Waukesha has its central section made of stained glass. I don't know why it was designed that way, but the ceiling serves its most wonderful purpose on Christmas Eve. When the electrical lights are turned off and we are left with the multitude of flickering candles, the flames are reflected in the ceiling glass, looking like the stars. All eyes turn heavenward, which is at it should be.
- Even though I'm up too late, I will probably be the first one up in the morning. Unlike most of my childhood, I will probably sleep past 5 am.
