Since Christmas Eve was a Sunday, Reid and I went to Wheatley United Church. In fact, I taught Melissa’s Sunday School class as she was celebrating Christmas with her outlaws. Karin and Ken joked about the church walls falling down but really it wasn’t that traumatic at all. Karin and I brought the two classes together and we all made nativity scenes using foam marshmallows. Kailee, Danielle and Isabelle (Danielle’s friend) came in to help with the craft. They had made the nativity scenes at Grandma Joyce’s the day before to see how long it would take and had helped pre-assemble each of the kits so that we could get them done in the time we’d have. Such things remind me of how isolated we are in Ottawa and how much easier it can be to live near family.
Reid and I had a big nap in the afternoon to prepare for the party at Uncle Roger and Auntie M’s (Merri-Lynn) house. Ken had a nap, too, but when he woke up he felt awful. As Reid and I were heading over to the party, she asked to ride in the stroller. It was so mild and the trip is so short, I agreed. The house was hopping when we arrived. Lots of people eating treats and drinking Uncle Roger’s famous punch. I’d share the recipe but I am not sure what it is. The kids exchanged gifts from the name draw. Reid received a Dora overnight bag on wheels – like the sort of thing seasoned travellers pull through the airport but it’s light purple and has a picture of Dora on it. Santa made an appearance, too. Reid wasn’t keen on going up – the desensitization training wasn’t effective, I guess. I sat on Santa’s lap and so did Grandma Joyce. Dylan and Brock did, too. Many people left about 7:00 to attend the church service or go to another party (I don’t miss having two engagements in a day, I tell you). Reid and I had a nice, quiet visit with Uncle Dave, Shea and Uncle Roger. I thought Reid would fall asleep on the way back to Grandma’s house but the stars were so bright – it helps not to have the light pollution we have in Ottawa – that she looked and talked about them the whole way. She settled to sleep pretty quickly, though, once we were in. She wasn’t excited about or even really aware of Santa or presents in the morning and so it was just another night.