Christmas in Santa Barbara

It was a Christmas season unlike any other— some moments were filled with the shadows of longing and sadness, but the moments of joy, love and generosity (both given and received) shined much brighter. Some of our highlights:

Ben marched with his karate class (Mark too) in the downtown Christmas parade. The girls cheered from the sidelines (with hot cocoa and cake pops) and took in all the bands, floats, dancers and general crowded, chaotic, merry cheer. Ben's group won the "Most Spirited" award and his enthusiastic punches and kicks had to help them win that title. Clara taking it all in, whispered in Leah's ear, "I think I really love lights on palm trees."

With 98% of our Christmas decorations in storage (save our stockings and Maurice, our elf on the shelf) our decorating for the season was limited. On our trip to Home Depot to get a little tree, we surprised the kids by letting them get this blow-up penguin (which under "normal" circumstances, would never pass the Leah Christmas decoration test). "Lucky" seemed to enjoy his new owners and will end being a wonderful reminder of this Christmas (although, in future Christmas seasons his home will be outside).

An afternoon family movie date to see the Muppet movie was fun for everyone, a great trip down memory lane for the old people and new enchantment for the young people. Both kids got their own snack pack, which was just as exciting, if not more so, than the movie.

One of the best moments of our advent season was making ornaments and then decorating a tree at the cemetery for Erik and Jordyn Kester. The kids approached the task with childlike pride and exuberance matched with tenderness and love. Before we left the cemetery Ben said a prayer, "Dear God, thank you for everything. Thank you for the whole world and please be with the people in heaven that we love. Amen."

On our annual family date night (where we trade-off one-on-one shopping excursions with the kids) Mark and Leah both treasured spending another Christmas season in Santa Barbara, especially enjoying the lights and bustle of State Street with the little people we love.

Family pizza picnic night in front of the fire concluded with the kids giving their handmade gifts from preschool. Best presents, ever.

Maurice, our elf on the shelf, seemed to enjoy his new digs.

We attended Mass at the Santa Barbara Mission, the service was gorgeous and moving (did it really take us all these years to finally attend a service there?). Afterward, we enjoyed the nativity with live animals and of course, running around the rose garden.

The only ornaments on our tree were ones Ben and Clara crafted at preschool. It may just be the most beautiful tree we ever had.

Before heading to Santa Fe for Christmas, we surprised the kids with a "Family Christmas" celebration. We had been stashing away gifts sent from friends and family throughout the month. The kids came home from the park to find a tree laden with presents, music playing, lights twinkling and excited parents. It was so much fun.

Ben and Clara both received custom, superhero capes made by Aunt Kaitlin. 

While we look forward to next year with hopes of being more settled and secure,   we are thankful for all the blessings that surround us right now, right here. With hearts full of love and holiday cheer we say, Merry Christmas!