Advent: the time of expectation; the time of waiting; the time of preparation. It is a busy time, preparing for Christmas: shopping, wrapping, decorating, baking---but also a peaceful, quiet time: reading, attending church services, lighting advent candles.We had some of both, during the month of December, beginning with three very delightful musical concerts.Our son, MJ, plays bassoon in the Alpharetta City Band and on a chilly Sunday afternoon, we tapped our toes to Jingle Bells Forever, Sleighride, and other holiday favorites. What fun!Next was a lovely holiday concert at Z and C's high school. There were about 60 students in the Wind Ensemble. The guys, very handsome in their tuxs and the gals, looking lovely in black dresses, played music from the "Nutcracker Suite", and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" among other selections. Z plays Euphonium and C plays the tuba and we are very impressed with the talent of all these young musicians.Finally, we were entertained by M's 4th grade chorus at his elementary school. "Experiencing Winter Through Song and Poetry", the children said poems and sang songs about Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and winter. They had worked hard all fall on their music and did a great job!
Here is part of the 4th grade chorus.
Next we were entertained at our church's Great Wednesdays at Grace by Kristi, our expert caterer, and John, our florist extraordinaire, who gave us ideas for holiday table decorations and special holiday foods. Kristi was ably assisted by Mr. Neat and two friends who cook lunch each week for a local mission. We all had a good laugh as Kristi struggled to teach the men how to make a quiche!!!
Mr. Neat watches as Bill pours cream into the food processor.As we got closer to Christmas, we decorated the Christmas tree and put out the manger scenes.
This is our tree, adorned on the top by the angel we bought for our first Christmas tree, and at the bottom by a tree skirt made by our sister-in-law many, many years ago. As we put each ornament on the tree, we talk about when and where we got the ornament and who gave it to us or where we bought it and why. We reminisce, recalling old friends and years gone past. Little pleasures!
Stockings made for each of us (including the dog), by our good friend and neighbor in Chicago, hang each year at the fireplace. Angels from Germany, a Christmas clock, and a tiny sheep that was from my mother's childhood are some of the special memories on the mantel. On the small table is one of our three manger scenes.
This manger scene must go on the table so Nellie, our Goldendoodle doesn't pick up the pieces!
And finally, the tiny nacimiento that I bought in Mexico brings back memories of last December when I celebrated Advent in Mexico. In Mexico, the baby Jesus is not placed in the nacimiento until Christmas Eve and the Wise Men continue on their journey, arriving at the nacimiento on the Three Kings Day, Jan. 6th.
Finally, all the work completed, the anticipation coming to an end, Christmas Eve arrives.
Our family gathers at our son's home for an afternoon of food, fun and music. CA's pretty table was laden with ham, turkey, salads and dips.
The afternoon passed quickly with everyone playing games.
C and Mr. Neat playing Gin Rummy!
After dinner, the ladies in red posed for a photo!
Z, CA, me, and AE dressed in our holiday finest!Then it was time for the music to begin!
"The Family Band" plays Christmas music. M changed from playing piano to his new saxophone; C plays trumpet instead of tuba; and new member, MD, plays in the band for the first time with his toy tambourine! C was on guitar and MJ played piano for several rousing Christmas songs!
Finally everyone went to church for midnight mass to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Christmas morning found all of us at our daughter, AE's home, to see what Santa left, to empty stockings, and exchange gifts.
Mr. Neat tries out the 3-D glasses that the boys got as he waits to open his stocking! MD is delighted with his gift of a toy saxophone while MA waits to open his present.
Christmas Day is over but December celebrations continue! Friends invited us to their annual Boxing Day party. 
Judy works in her new kitchen with the help of friends.
It was such a warm day that the party spilled over onto their patio. Good friends, good food, good fun!We closed out December with a Christmas brunch, with AE's family, at our house . MJ's family left for Orlando the day after Christmas. The marching band was performing in the football bowl game on Saturday and marching in a parade on Monday so they missed out on the Feliz Navidad Huevos Rancheros, (Merry Christmas Eggs) fresh pineapple, orange juice and warm coffeecake--homemade yet!
The table looked festive.
After brunch, M and M watched a movie and played Lone Ranger, while the adults visited. Before going home, they gathered around the tree for a family photo.
Mr. Neat and I are truly blessed to have our families close and good friends with whom we can celebrate the season.
Christmases will come and go and the years will pass, but I will never forget my friends and the children with whom I celebrated the Advent season last year in Mexico. (I was home here for Christmas Eve and Day.) It was a wonderful experience, opening my eyes to the unique celebrations of others. This year I shared some happiness with my friends there by talking on the telephone to many of them before Christmas.
Just for fun, scroll down the page and look back at some of the blogs from December of last year and reread the writings about the Dia de Guadalupe and look at the picture of the children of the Salvation Army singing Christmas carols in front of WalMart.
I am very fortunate to have friends in both countries.
Hasta luego.
