Christmas this year was different than any other years in the past. This year my side of the family including my parents and Sergiy and Jules with the boys got together at our house to celebrate the birth of our Savior. And when Nepomyashchyys get together...things get wild:) Our house was filled with laughter and joy. The kids had plenty of attention, and little Miss Kira was hardly ever put down which she loved.
On Christmas Eve we all went to the Russian church service which actually turned out to be a play instead of a service. And when the kids were tucked in beds, Serg shared with us a message about how Christ was born and what the King of all had to condescend to for the love of us, sinners. It was great to have my whole family at the table with some candlelight and tea, contemplating on the Word of the Lord. In the morning we attended an American church service. In the evening, before dinner the family gathered to sing some Christmas carols (I won't post a video if this to spare certain people of embarassment:)) We sang in Ukrainian and English. And though our voices were far from perfect, our hearts were overfilled with praises.
Cliff and I decided not to do presents on Christmas Day this year and we'd like to keep this tradition from now on. Just for the sake of focusing on Christ on that day. I opened a present or two before Christmas but the majority of the presents are opened during the 7 days after Christmas preceeding New Years Eve. Not only it keeps us focused on Christ on Christmas Day but also gives the kids an opportunity to savor each gift they receive. When Aaron opens a toy he plays with that only toy all day long. And just today as we're finishing opening the remaining presents under the tree I thought of how blessed my kids are to have so many people love and care about them to send them all these wonderful gifts and toys. Thank you!
Well, that was our Christmas 2011. Hoping for many more of those. And here are the pictures.
Christmas 2011
