12 Days of Christmas – The Family

December 16, 2014 by

Christmas Tree decorating ideas

Welcome to Day 6 of my 12 Days of Christmas posts. Today I’m looking back at some of favorite Christmas memories with family. I’m also tossing in this picture of my Christmas tree. It’s the last live tree that I purchased. I switched to an artificial tree this year, and I’m having mixed emotions.  I love the look and smell of a live tree.  The Douglas Fir was my favorite, unfortunately they’re work with set-up, constant watering and disposal. I’ve had a live tree for 30 years, it’s like losing a friend.  It’s also the last year for the ornaments on this tree. I purchased new ornaments this year with a new color theme. I love the ornaments, but will I go back to a live tree?  Stay tuned for next year’s post of the 2015 Christmas tree. 

This picture still brings me to tears.  This is me holding Zarriah her first Christmas. This was an emotional day for me.  She was a preemie, weighing in at 2lbs. and 10 ounces when she entered this world.  She fought for her life for 3 months, so it was a joy and a blessing having her home for Christmas. She is truly our miracle baby, and she’s still a fighter.  
White Christmas
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A white Christmas.  Although we ended up with a foot of snow that year, there is nothing more beautiful than a white Christmas, that’s if you’re staying home.    

To me, Christmas is about the time we spend with family and friends.  It’s a magical time for children.  This is a picture of my nephew and a family friend’s daughter.  They were in awe of the moving Santa.  
I love this picture, of Xavier’s grandfather reading to him Christmas morning.  It was an exciting morning, he fall asleep shortly thereafter.  Such a precious moment.  

This is a family friend’s daughter dancing to Beyonce’s All the Single Ladies at one of my parties. She was working it.  Every time I heard that song, I think about her. Too funny. 

White Christmas
This Christmas, I got snowed in at my daughter’s in Virginia Beach. We’re used to snow back home, but an inch will shut a beach town down.  Six inches will completely immobilize it and it did. My daughter and SIL had no shovel or scrapers, and the city had no salt or sand. We used gift boxes to clean off the cars. Trying to make it home was a nightmare, it’s a 5 hour drive home. I never saw a snowplow come through the neighborhood the entire time I was there. I had to get back to work, so I slide my way out. It was amazing, even the emergency responders were unprepared. I watched cops run off the road in route to assist others. If I ever get snowed in again, I’ll just stay put until it all melts. My stress level went to new heights that Christmas.    
This Christmas we also celebrated my son-in-law’s birthday, which is January 3.  My grandson took over the cake and the party. I guess this is why it’s no fun having your birthday during the holiday season.  
Last, but not least my Zarriah learning to walk with the help of her new baby and stroller. I was so excited.  She is truly a miracle and this was a Christmas blessing.  
I have hundreds of other memories that I can share, but these are some of the most memorable. Stay tuned to Day 7 of my posts.  What are some of your favorite holiday memories?    

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Comments

  1. Kc W says
    December 18, 2014 at 3:58 pm

    I love all of your memories and all of your pictures — that first one of you would bring a smile to the face of any grandmother! Hope this is your best Christmas yet!

  2. Mari Corona says
    December 16, 2014 at 8:31 pm

    Beautiful share love the pics!!

  3. J says
    December 16, 2014 at 5:06 pm

    I really enjoyed seeing all your fun times captured forever in photos. Zarriah is truly a miracle child. From a mere two pounds to the happy and feisty little princess she is now – wow!
    We have had a live tree for thirty years or more, too. I am also considering going to a fake one. The amount of work is getting hard to do and I hate taking it down before January is over. That's when I would really enjoy those lights late into the evening. Anxious to see what you decided!

    • Rhonda Gales says
      December 17, 2014 at 2:56 am

      Hi J – Yes, she is truly a miracle and we count our blessings every day. The live trees are a lot of work, which is why I decided to switch to the artificial tree. I must admit, it's starting to grow on me. I love the lights too.  I'm thinking If I decide to keep it up for a week or 2 after the New Year, no harm done. I don't have to worry about disposal or it drying out.  It does have its benefits.