It was a Merry Christmas indeed.

Although there was an Elvis episode to undergo, LB and I were able to get back on track to enjoy our usual Christmas traditions together.

As if still a little girl, I typically wake up early on Christmas morning… excited about what Santa left under the tree. He is always very generous, and much better to me than I deserve.

It was around 6AM that I woke up and headed to the kitchen.

Elvis [my all time favorite Christmas gift] came down from his “lookout” and met me in the kitchen. He was feeling much better and was ready to eat, which was a wonderful start to my day.

After feeding him, I lit the trees and made coffee.

LB joined me shortly thereafter.

He and I presented Elvis with his kitty stocking

and then exchanged our gifts to each other.

LB is one smart cookie.

He will take me shopping when we are out and about and let me pick things that he can save for Christmas morning.

For example…

my jeans and tops that were discovered at White House Black Market while visiting the Golden Isles

My Navy Blue Hobo we found at Classy Crossroads when we kicked off our Fall 2017 trip to the mountains

And a Clara Sun Woo dress and jewelry from Mariani’s purchased during a weekend trip to South Carolina…

which I never published a post about!

Although I have seen some of the items I unwrap, I am still surprised when I see them again. In addition, I am blessed with the opportunity to reminisce about the time my gift was purchased.

The memory is a gift in itself.

And…My LB is too!

The Whole Family

was planning to meet at Mama’s house by 10AM.

Mama had a special surprise of her own.

Gina and I sat together on the sofa as she stood before us with two little boxes and said

“This is from my heart”

We took the boxes from her hands and opened them to find…

two items that were part of her story of love, loss, and ultimately joy.

She gave my sister a pair of gold and diamond earrings that my Daddy had given her for Christmas shortly before he died. She gave me a bracelet that she purchased [at the urging of her sisters], for herself after my Daddy died. Reason being: “he would have bought it if he had been here”. She wanted to share what had special significance to her with the daughters who are precious to her.

She then sat down between us and we remembered Daddy together, whispering sweet memories, being thankful for the life we shared, as Mama described how God has restored joy to her life.