The Reason for the Season...

December is finally here - November - seems like it never happened. Quiet, in retrospect. Had a nice breakfast at Ben's house, then we cooked a full-blown dinner for Randy, me and Michael. Then on the same weekend we sang "The Messiah Sing-In". This week we have been in dress rehearsal for Mozart "Requiem" and Debussy "LaDemoiselle E'Lue". Some of the most beautiful music in heaven or earth but not very Christmas-like. Next week we'll be rehearsing for a Christmas Pops concert with a black gospel singer. I guess we're the "pips" sans robes. Then it's Christmas! I had the flu in all of November and felt like crap and finally got some good steroid drugs to kick the cough for the concert - maybe that's why I can't remember November. Randy is starting round 3 and was coughing most of the night. But now that I'm feeling better, I decided to finally get the tree decorated and get into the mood. Sure, I have all sorts of plans to bake every one of those "12 Days of Cookies" recipes (12 lbs. of cookies!) and have that "open house" I've always wanted to do. Maybe it'll happen on a small scale this year.
I have such a strong desire to really feel the spirit of Christmas this year and reflect on the blessings in my life of the past year and the blessings that the birth of Christ has brought into my life. We've experienced a lot of joy and a lot of sorrow, but have felt the peace in our home knowing that through Him the joy can be found again. The coming year - I'm sure there are some great blessings coming. Hope is always in our hearts for family unity and love. My hope for you is that this season may bring you love and peace and a sense of the important things of this life. Love to you all! Feliz Navidad!