Every Christmas Eve

Every Christmas Eve in my memory, the whole family would gather in the evening in the family room. Often we would carry Christmas treats (cookies or fudge, for example) with us out of the kitchen. Young ones would hang stockings. We would sing several Christmas hymns. Any musicians present (especially Cathy, David, and Tom) would contribute on the piano, on the guitar, or with strong voice.

Then someone, usually the youngest one who could read, would read the Christmas story from the Bible. Every year the same question: the Luke version or the Matthew version? Someone would close with a prayer. Little ones would then go to bed.

One year, I think I was the reader (though it could have been that I had been asked to do the prayer), and when I was finished, I looked up and Ama was crying. She was a bit embarrassed to be a bit overcome by the moment. I understood it some then, and I understand it more now.

I think this picture of Danny, Cathy, and Apa may have been taken on a Christmas Eve in Auburn.