we're not much for presents anymore. getting together with familia has become more important. although, Kent brought over a Wonderful almond coffee cake last night!!! Merry Christmas John and Greg! tim

We will open Christmas gifts tonight as a right of passage for Heather from the "little girl" to the "getting bigger girl". This is because that is what Joni's family did when all of the kids in their family had passed the "Santa stage of life". Part of what we did with her, as I did with all of my 6th rgade religion students, is taught her about the life of the real St. Nicholas.

The good Bishop Nicholas was a really great man, the patron saint of more places, people, and causes than any other saint. Also, a lot of the traditions of Christmas can be traced back to St. Nicholas and his life in Myra. It made for a very interesting Advent season.

John, I probably should not tell you this, but the Beau Rivage is having a 50% off sale on all their designer Christmas ornaments. After the great fall of the tree I thought about you as I was picking up some fabulous ornaments during my stay at the Beau this past weekend.