We have been simplifying Christmas over the last several years, in part urged on by our daughter, who is addicted to simplicity. It's OK. She's also addicted to Starbuck's but is getting better..... A couple of years ago we dialed it back by limiting gifts to 4 as described by a rhyme, the origin of which remains a mystery to me:
    Something you want, 
    something you need, 
    something to wear 
    and something to read
This year we dialed it up a notch with a twist: we drew individual names and the "something you need" was to be a donation to a favorite charity. Each of us searched for charities that reflected things that interest us. We had herorat.org which trains special rats to sniff out land mines, thus saving lives. Because they are lighter than other animals, they don't set off the mines.

   Amy, with her "Hero Rat" tee shirt from Matt

Matt chose Peace Players International, which works in troubled countries bringing sides together to play basketball. They have had success in places like the middle East and northern Ireland.  We had others on the list to choose from - Susan Komen Foundation was one of Catherine's. The Wounded Warrior Project was one of Jon's favorites. There were others on the list for each of us but you get the idea. It made Christmas very special and simple.

My parents are with us this Christmas so last night my dad kept up a Christmas tradition, reading the Christmas story from Luke 2 before we had a "birthday cake for Jesus."


         Around the table with the cupcakes:
          L to R, Catherine, my mom and dad

The "birthday cake" this year was special - cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcakes. They were so good it's going to be a new tradition!

After the Christmas story and cupcakes we prayed for our troops before we opened our presents. Having spent a couple of holidays away from family, I really appreciate the sacrifice our troops are making.

Merry Christmas to all!

Alan