The Gift of Family and Friends
I always cherish our Christmas Eve gatherings. Foodie decided to stay home after a tough week, battling strong winds on his bike commute and helping at a care facility during Sunday's flooding. We all understood his need for rest, and I respect his dedication and commitment to serving others.
He just wanted to go to bed, and instead, he came over on Christmas Day for leftovers, with just the three of us. We watched Home Alone. We had a nice time.
I think the BIG Christmas Gift for 2025 was these!
My friend Brenda and her family were putting in a lot of effort on the 23rd. Her husband, Wayne, couldn't do anything because he was still healing from a significant back surgery. They had some members of our church there, digging French drains away from their home and preparing for the upcoming storm. I wanted to be there to assist in any way I could, and I felt selfish for prioritizing my own family's preparations. I was really grateful that the younger folks stepped up to help them with the digging and clean-up. I still felt like a bad person for not being able to show up and lend a hand. That's part of what Christmas is about, too. Helping our fellow man. And there I was, too occupied with my Christmas Eve dinner.
I ordered five large pepperoni pizzas for them and those who were working hard in the rain, and that was my contribution. Frustrating when you reach a point where you can no longer physically assist others as you once did.
An Hour up the Mountains -
It's snow.
I can't wait to get up there!
At this writing, it is pouring rain -
Earlier, we had some strong winds.
Our sump pump works well, installed in a hole below ground. It stays in place year-round because of the runoff from uphill homes irrigation. A functional pump is crucial to keep from having a marshy area in our yard. We also have a backup pump if needed.
We noticed moisture in the drywall of our garage ceiling, likely caused by the strong winds. However, since Sunday, there haven't been any new water stains. We will have our roofers take a look. It may take a while, as some clients may require their services more urgently than we do, and that's perfectly okay. We do have a warranty with them, though I have a feeling it might not cover natural disasters. I'm not going to stress over it.
It's time for dinner, and we're returning to our usual selection of ordinary meals. I prepared a large pot of chili. We truly enjoyed our deli spread, which included a variety of cheeses, prawns, chicken wings, pasta salad, mini bagel dogs, and other treats.
I want to remove the tree before New Year's Eve. I'm someone who prefers to move on once Christmas is over, embracing a fresh start. I really enjoy welcoming a new year.
Until Next Time,
Debby
Hi Debby, I am glad you had a nice Christmas! The snow looks so pretty. I am glad we have the rain but feel bad for those that have to prep for possible damage. A pot of Chili sounds good with this wet weather. It takes time to put out my decorations and I take my time taking it down. I don't want to rush because I want to get rid of some thing as I go through each box. Thanks for the prayers, my son is slowly getting better. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan. That's what I plan to do as well. I am so ready to downsize my Christmas decorations. Yeah it does seem, I just put everything up but I don't like the clutter of Christmas decorations. I can't wait to pack it all away and get started on this new year!
DeleteI am glad you had a wonderful Christmas. I am so sorry about all the flooding you have had lately. Glad your sump pumps work.
ReplyDeleteJesus is here.
And now to put all away.
Oh yes! We'll start the take down in stages!.
DeleteThey may have had enough people helping already, but I bet no one thought to feed them! And even pizzas, too! I bet after all that hard work, those were the best pizzas they ever had. Your tree is beautiful. And these sandbags are so cool!
ReplyDeleteThose sandbags are good to have on hand, along with the regular ones.
DeleteI'm so glad to hear you ALL are safe! Your gift to provide yummy food may not have been what you intended, but I'm sure it was greatly enjoyed and appreciated. I think sometimes the magic of Christmas isn't found in expectations, but (in) random moments of thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteI like to get into the action of a clean up, but this one was more than I probably could have handled, without hurting something.
DeleteI love what you said about expectations and random moments of thanksgiving. Very good!
I love what Mevely said. I think there is a definite moment of Thanksgiving that makes Christmas magical.
ReplyDeleteSo glad your pump did its thing too.
Now its on to the new year.
Sue
Yes, bring it on - 2026!
DeleteI am glad you had a nice Christmas, and I think buying that pizza was thoughtful and helpful. Sigh, I do miss snow, but I also enjoy the temps we have in the winter here in Florida---ask me next week when the temps drop some 50* lol---have a beautiful rest of this Saturday.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy our weather here. We have a California style four seasons which is different all over the state due to our diverse terrain. I like being close enough to snow to visit in a day and then come home.
DeleteGlad you had a wonderful Christmas. We had freezing rain yesterday. It was horrible, but then it snowed overnight. Wish we would have had some on Christmas. Oh well, maybe next year. Janice
ReplyDeleteFreezing rain sounds bones chilling to me.
DeleteI'd not seen a sandbag like that before, but it sounds like a wonderful idea (as does the pizzas you sent).
ReplyDeleteWe didn't know either about these types. It was a first for us having to get sandbags. We didn't have to use them but they are good to have them.
DeleteSorry to hear about those issues going on. So nice of Foodie to do all of that. Home Alone is an excellent movie. That sounds like a huge project at your friends house. So nice of you to send the pizza. Hope all will be well with your garage. Hope all goes well with taking your tree down. I do wait until later. Have a Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the garage will be fine. Pretty minor in comparison to others. We plan to start dismantling Christmas tomorrow in stages.
DeleteI am pleased you had a nice Christmas, as did I spending time with the family.
ReplyDeleteYour pot of Chili sounds good ... enjoy :)
Sending my good wishes.
All the best Jan
Jan, the chili was so good that I'm going to make another pot on new years eve.
DeleteGlad to hear you enjoyed your Christmas. :)
ReplyDeleteSeems the simpler the Christmas, the more we concentrate on each other and the Reason for it all.
DeleteI am pleased you had a nice Christmas, I have started to take down my Christmas decorations.
ReplyDeleteThat's good you're taking yours down. We'll begin tackling that job tomorrow
DeleteI love that sent pizzas. That’s super helpful and help comes in all shapes, sizes and methods. Yours was perfect. Absolutely, perfect.
ReplyDeleteHope your son feels rested and all the way better, soon.
You know what? A pot of chili sounds really, really good. I might have to toss some in the pressure cooker. I have leftover bits and bobs that could get tossed in.
I get that about the tree. I’m not sure yet what I want to do. We have an 11-day Christmas staycation so it might all stay up until then OR, if we hit the Christmas store and they have a sale on snowflakes and fairy lights, then I might switch everything to winter/valentines.
Not sure yet.
Currently enjoying reading blogs with a cuppa on a cold rainy Sunday.
Wishing you a wonderful, happy, healthy and stress-free 2026.
I'll stick with a winter theme, for Jan. Yeah the chili was so good.
Delete❤️
DeleteI'm glad to hear that you are safe where you are, and I am sorry to hear about those who have suffered through so much flooding and rain, etc. And thank you for doing your part. The food is just as necessary as the labor. That's what the Body of Christ is...we all have different functions but work together for the same goal...to serve the Lord and His family. Regarding decorations, I am still too much in recuperation mode to feel like starting on taking things down, but I am rather anxious to get rid of the clutter. It's starting to close in on me. Still, my body says wait and get stronger first. Hubby is sick now too, so there's NO RUSh to do anything but rest. We are expecting some very cold days here this week, so chili and soups sound good to me too. Have a blessed and wonderful week, and I pray you are all safe and sound.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear you're still not feeling good and now your husband! There's no rush to take decorations down. A few years back we left them up, well into Jan because of illness. It happens!
DeleteThose are handy flood bags. Have never seen those before. Your deli spread sounds delicious, especially with the prawns and chicken wings. Lassen looks so pretty with all the snow. We haven't had any yet, but it's coming, and it's been coooold. So good of you to order five pizzas for the workers. I'm sure they appreciated that. Your Christmas tree just made me smile, and I love that last photo and quote.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Yeah those bags are handy and convenient. We didn't know they existed either. We're hoping to get up to either Lassen or Shasta, this week. We'll see. The pizza was for the family and friends from church who were helping them dig. I can't imagine the mess they had. My husband just took down the outside lights and manger before the next storm moves in. We have a few more sunny days before, to enjoy.
DeleteThanks for stopping by, Sheri. Its always good to hear from you.
Christmas Eve is when my family gets together for gift exchange. We all bring snacks to share. Christmas Day we used to have a nice sit down dinner but since my dad and Jim passed away we now have tacos and watch Christmas movies. I suggested it after they both passed just shortly before the holiday knowing none of us were up for a real celebration that year and it has become the new tradition.
ReplyDeleteSending dinner for all the helpers was a wonderful way to contribute and I am sure well appreciated.
Christmas Eve was what my family did when I was a child. I continued it with my sons. I understand about making new traditions when family members pass. I did the same after my son passed. For awhile, we would go out to the movies on Christmas Eve, just to take the edge off.
DeleteNice to hear from you, Leslie. I was just wondering about you... I hope all is well.
I am happy you had a good Christmas. It was very good of you to help your friend. Thank you for remembering Ran Gvili on this page.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! As long as there is even one hostage left, it is still one too many. I'm saddened that so many, have forgotten already.
DeleteLooks like a nice Christmas! I'm with you about the Christmas decor. As of this writing everything is down and put away except for the tree. Empty of ornaments and just waiting for hubby to pack it up! Happy New Year to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you, too Jeanette
DeleteHi Debby, we got dumped on ... 9 inches of fresh snow. My boys both snowboard, so they are HAPPY!! :-)
ReplyDeleteOrdering the pizza was very nice and I know it means a lot to those.
I enjoy your posts Debby, thank you for sharing your part of California... in all the ups and downs.
xx oo
Carla
That sounds like a good snowing...Snowboards are fun but not in my wheel house anymore.
DeleteHappy New Year!
ReplyDeleteSame to you, Ivy
DeleteI wont be taking anything down until my mom goes back to my sister's home. I just dont have the energy right now. Happy New Year. Janice
ReplyDeleteI can understand that. We'll keep the nativities up till Jan 6.
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