These pictures show the joy of Christmas Eve, although they leave out the visit to my mother after evening Mass. This was the first year since we have been married that she did not come to Mass with us, exchanging presents by our tree afterward. In many ways, this Christmas feels surreal and incomplete, yet, even in sorrow, there is great rejoicing--a time to laugh, a time to weep.
Daddy snapped this photo, although it would have been so much nicer if he had been in it. I love the way the little ones are tending to their crying Eileen. As you can see, I remain true to form, looking like a combination of Olive Oyl and Ruth Buzzi:
Usually, our tree is up about a week before Christmas, but this year we were putting ornaments on minutes before leaving for church:
After Mass, it was Marie's turn to put the Baby Jesus in our outdoor nativity:
We did not manage a "path lighted by candles," but our candlelight procession cast a warm glow on the cold winter's night:
The flames needed to be protected from winter wind while we sang carols:
And Marie tripped in the tangles beneath her feet, yet was none the worse for wear:
Warming up indoors, Daddy lit a fire and we exchanged our annual Kris Kringle gifts. Marie, my Kris Kringle this year, presented me with this lovely ornament:
And a picture worth treasuring:
Here is the newest tradition at our house--the Christmas Pyramid--a wonder of engineering given to me this year by Daddy and the children. It runs on the heat of three candles:
If you would like to see our new pyramid in operation, please click here: Christmas 2007. The children, right down to three year old Maureen, do a heartfelt and unrehearsed rendition of Away in a Manger. (They all think it sounds horrible, but I still love it, even with the little ones singing off key!)
Eileen's expression perfectly captures the warmth and joy we wish you this Christmas and always!
Glory to God in the highest!
Merriest of Christmases, dear Alice!
Posted by: Amy | December 25, 2007 at 03:05 PM
Thank you for sharing your photos Alice, such a blessed scene with all your dear children!
Posted by: aussieannie | December 25, 2007 at 03:16 PM
What a wonderful family you have - so much love radiating from every image. I hope your Christmas Day was as beautiful as this eve appeared to be. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Posted by: patience | December 25, 2007 at 04:01 PM
What a beautiful family!
Merry Christmas from our home to yours.
Posted by: Meredith from Merchant Ships | December 25, 2007 at 04:39 PM
Merry Christmas to you all! The picture that Marie made for you is just beautiful.
Posted by: Rebecca | December 25, 2007 at 05:20 PM
Merry Christmas Alice and family...such a beautiful family! :)
Posted by: Cheryl M. | December 25, 2007 at 06:08 PM
Great pictures. Merry Christmas, Alice.
Posted by: Cheryl | December 25, 2007 at 07:14 PM
What wonderful pictures! How lovely to share in your Christmas with you. :-)
Posted by: Karen Edmisten | December 25, 2007 at 07:27 PM
Beautiful pictures as always, Alice. Merry Christmas!
Posted by: KC | December 25, 2007 at 08:02 PM
Merry Christmas, Alice. That was a beautiful photo essay!
Posted by: Barbara | December 25, 2007 at 08:29 PM
Your family is so, so beautiful in every way! God bless you all and Merry Christmas!!
Posted by: Kristen Laurence | December 26, 2007 at 02:06 AM
Thank you for sharing those beautiful pictures, Alice!
Posted by: Christine M | December 26, 2007 at 07:52 AM
What fun to see your entire family (sans husband) after hearing Lissa talk about you so much. They are beautiful! I can see we are both big Hanna fans!!! Merry Christmas.
Posted by: sarah in va | December 26, 2007 at 09:32 AM
God bless you Alice!
Merry Christmas
Posted by: Helen (Mary Vitamin) | December 26, 2007 at 09:42 AM
Merry Christmas, Alice!
Posted by: Jennie C. | December 26, 2007 at 10:14 AM
Merry Christmas, Alice. God bless you.
Posted by: Ruth | December 26, 2007 at 10:40 AM
Merry Christmas, Alice! Your children look so happy--blessings and prayers for a happy and healthy new year, especially prayers for your mother...
Posted by: Jennifer in TX | December 26, 2007 at 01:26 PM
Your family is so beautiful. Your oldest two girls are looking so much older than from all the summer pictures you posted.
Merry Christmas!!!!!1
Posted by: Kathy | December 26, 2007 at 06:01 PM
Alice dear, you could NEVER look anything like Ruth Buzzi or Olive Oyl, ROFLOL!!! I love you, what a beautiful family, Merriest Christmas wishes, I wihs I could hug you in person!!
Posted by: Meredith | December 26, 2007 at 07:18 PM
Merry Christmas! What lovely pictures, you have a beautiful family!
Posted by: Jessica | December 26, 2007 at 11:07 PM
Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures! Blessings of the newborn Christ Child to you all.xo
Posted by: Kimberlee | December 27, 2007 at 01:06 AM
what a wonderful post and beautiful pictures.
May the wonderful spirit of Christmas stay with you through the New year.
Leona
Posted by: Leona | December 27, 2007 at 01:26 AM
Alice, I can relate to the illness of a loved one changing one's Christmas plans. Your family is doing a wonderful job keeping Christmas, despite the heartbreak of Grandmas' condition.
I thought of you as we crossed paths on Christmas Eve. You are in my prayers.
Posted by: Leticia Velasquez | December 27, 2007 at 11:51 AM
Beautiful, Alice! Just the way a family Christmas should look! And don't the big girls look so grown up!?
Posted by: MacBeth | December 27, 2007 at 07:57 PM
Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Since I was one of eleven, the matching dresses bring back memories.
Your children look radiant.
Posted by: Mariposa | December 28, 2007 at 01:43 AM
Merry Christmas!! What a beautiful family you have!
Posted by: Lillian | December 29, 2007 at 12:46 AM
Beautiful pictures, Alice. I can just feel the merriment! :-)
Posted by: Jane Ramsey | December 31, 2007 at 09:49 AM