My Beamish Boys: Merry and Bright

We've just returned home from a wonderful trip to Rapid City for Christmas. There is nothing quite like the Christmas season, in my opinion. Even though a large percentage of the population doesn't understand why we are celebrating this holiday, there is something different in the air. People seem to smile a little more, the spirit of giving overtakes us, and songs like "Silent Night" can be heard piping through the airwaves on the radio and in department stores.

All is calm, all is bright round yon virgin mother and child ... sleep in heavenly peace

Of course, beautiful Christmas hymns are played alongside "Santa Baby" and "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus", and the desire to give is warped into a desire to beat the other shoppers to the checkout. But every year around this time, I am hopeful.

As always, the time in Rapid flew by, but we actually got to stay for over a week, so we didn't feel quite as rushed as usual. Megan rode down with us squished into the backseat of the Matrix with two car seats (bless her!) and kept the kids happy so I could face forward for the majority of the drive (double bless her!) We made good time, arriving around 9 pm- early enough to not throw the boys into a tailspin for lack of schedule. Praise the Lord! Almost the whole family was there-- we missed Monica and Glenn a lot, but I hope they thoroughly enjoyed their honeymoon. We quickly took over every spare inch of space in the house as suitcases were hauled in, presents were put under the tree, and we all crashed on various beds/couches/floors... with that much of the crew at home, we sure filled the place up!

Christmas Eve day we made a quick run to the stores for some last minute gifts, then made our way out to the Great Grandparents house for a celebration with the whole family. Including Max and Lucian, I believe there were eleven great-grandchildren present... and nine of them were boys! What a crew.

Following the party, the Paul Yantes Sr. clan prepared for "Midnight" Mass (at 10:00 pm). We put the boys in their jammies and headed over to the same Mass at the same church where, three years ago, I went into labor and had to leave after Communion to go deliver a beautiful baby boy! It's hard to believe how quickly those three years have passed by. This is the first time I've been back to Cathedral for Christmas Eve since that day, and it was beautiful. What a way to celebrate the vigil of Our Lord's birth! (I'm happy to say we made it through the whole Mass without incident.)

December 25 was a cold, clear day, and we awoke to a wonderful breakfast! Max slept in and was the last one upstairs, but the poor kid was only half awake when he was greeted by a chorus of "Merry Christmas Max! Happy Birthday!" and various aunties and uncles breaking out into song. With a look of shock on his face, he wandered in a daze to the table to eat, but he began to work up excitement as people dropped hints of what was soon to come. Breakfast was followed by a frenzy of gift opening! It was such a joy to watch smiling faces as people opened gifts that were carefully and lovingly chosen for them. When the wrapping paper settled and many hugs were exchanged, we began to prepare for the Christmas Feast. Fr. Tyler joined us for a prime rib dinner, mulled wine (did I mention mulled wine yet? Oooohhhh...) and cards. It was a wonderful day, a true celebration.

In the evening, we had a simple party for Max's birthday. He blew out three candles stuck into Christmas cookies and opened his pirate-themed gifts from Grandma and Grandpa and ice skates from Mommy and Daddy. Our family is VERY heavy on birthdays surrounding the Christmas season, but we try very hard to make each celebration special!