No one asked me if I would like to be born on December 19th. I suppose my parents, also, had little say in the matter. It’s no one’s fault, then. But it does come with its challenges. My mother tells the story of how, as a young child, I ardently pointed out to my father... Continue Reading →
One sleep ‘till Christmas! …and 15 days behind on our family advent readings. I should have known, but I really thought this year would be different… We started off so well. (You can read about our family’s advent plan and DIY Jesse Tree here.) Our Jesse Tree was finished and waiting for it’s first ornament.... Continue Reading →
On a dark December night four years ago, I received an unexpected gift -- a gift which left me standing alone in the mudroom cradling a gargantuan black garbage bag in my weepy arms. This gift was set into motion, unbeknownst to me, one week before... It had been late November and Christmas was fast... Continue Reading →
I love advent! Every year, advent becomes more and more central to my heart's celebration of Christmas. But I haven't always felt this way. When I was a child, Christmas was: Pepsi, games, candy, mandarin oranges, presents, peanuts, gatherings, thrill, and excitement. I confess that I rolled my child-eyes in distaste at "fanatical" families who made the... Continue Reading →
Sara, Living Free 