I'm curled up on our couch, my thick wolf-patterned blanket covering me, looking out into my backyard which is covered with a beautiful layer of undisturbed snow. A blue bird (literally, it is blue) and two red-capped birds are gallivanting on the berry bush outside our windows. Aaron started a nice fire in the fireplace, and it is crackling softly.

Our festivities started last night where we all made a gingerbread shanty (I need to brush up on my skills for next year) and some gingerbread cookies. This morning Aaron, myself, and the kids cuddled in our queen sized bed and sang Christmas Carols out of tune.

Then we got up, dressed in our Pjs, and padded down the stairs. Opening up Santa's gifts first, we found a multitude of nice gifts - PJs, boxers, and socks for Aaron; Italian Herb & Cheese bread mix, some vellum quotes, and some energy bars for Jen; a Cars watch and a matchbox car for Nate; a doll and some sunglasses for Sammi; and some Happy Bunny underwear, a red fluffy scarf, an organic cotton night shirt, and some lint rollers for Christa. We then moved on to the gifts under the Christmas tree. Santa didn't know where to leave the family presents, so he stuck them under the tree. He brought us Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, Rampage [Wii game], a Wii, Little Mermaid DVD, Jungle Book DVD, and a 20th year anniversary edition of Princess Bride [DVD and book] . From Mom and Dad (us), Nate received a large Cars play rug, four Cars cars, and a Cars playstation2 game; Sammi received a Little People farm which makes noises and a farm puzzle; Aaron received a Tony Hawk Wii game; Jen received tickets to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra; and Christa received a book on fairies. From Christa, we received a set of four cork-shaped candles (she does know how we love our wine). From Jonathan, we received a book on woodworking basics.

Now, in between typing on my laptop and staring out my window at the beautiful scenery, I'm making three-grain from scratch waffles for my family to enjoy. Fred keeps me company at the window, scaring all the birds away with his chittering and scolding. And I realize that at some point, I'm going to have to put that damn squirrel on a diet.

From my house to yours - remember that Christmas is all about making memories with the people you love and isn't about just raking in the loot.

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