Christmas 2009

Christmas 2009 has come and gone. My family woke up much later than planned around 9:00 a.m., and then before I knew it, it was time for dinner. The day just flew by! It was a good day. Christmas morning, between 10:30 and 11, my dad's side of the family comes over for brunch. My grandma was unable to come, but a few of my aunts, uncles and cousins joined us. After that family left, most of us took naps (my mom and I didn't go to bed until 3:30 in the morning on Christmas Eve)while we waited for the arrival of some of my mom's family. We had a nice turkey dinner and some great dessert! Later on, we played Apples to Apples-all 10 of us! It was a lot of fun! Here are some pictures from the day...


Morning pictures are just so pleasant, aren't they?


I thought this was funny. This is apparently my brother's version of a gift tag. I also love the "From: Son" part. :) Last year, he gave me a pair of Nike running shorts...and he wrote on the actual tag of the shorts, "Merry Christmas, Kaitlin. I thought these were you. Love, Kiernan." I still have the tag!


A present only a father and son could appreciate. Even if their ages are 21 and 48. A remote control car! I love this picture because of the look on my brother's face! He's so excited about this gift!


Jack in his new raincoat that he got in his stocking.


Some of the Kaliher cousins. There are literally probably 25 more cousins on this side of the family, not including second cousins, etc.!


Aunt Cathy, Korinne and Mom. Korinne is eating her very own ice cream cake that she bought with her own money. They are her FAVORITE!


Katrina and Uncle Ralph


I like this picture of my dad and Kiernan.


Me and Katrina..I think red-eye reduction messed up my nose in this picture, oh well!


Jack in one of his new sweaters. It's adorable!

So, Christmas was good. The gifts were just enough! Gifts are fun to receive of course, but I do not understand why some "go all out." I think huge amounts of gifts distract from the real reason we celebrate Christmas. Now, I am not naive in thinking that everyone believes the same way I do. I just feel like so many people buy just to buy, or to make themselves look better than the rest. And it's not about that. I am looking forward to finally having a salary next year so that I can give more gifts to children who are unfortunate and to people who TRULY need. I gave what I could this year to some children, but wish it could have been more. And I think most of us can agree that looking back, we don't remember which type of materialistic gifts we got, but rather, who we spent the holiday season with and the memories that were made. THAT is what this season is TRULY about! Because Christmas is centered around Christ, I somehow feel that Christ would be so happy to see His people give to those who are needy, rather than shower ourselves or others with gifts that are "wants" and not "needs." I include myself in this too and I realize how I want to change my giving so that it may impact people less fortunate than I am.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. -Luke 2:11