Christmas Is Here

It's officially started.   We had a great family day out today in Dublin.  There is just something unique about experiencing Christmas Eve in Dublin.  It's kind of a family tradition with us.  This year we arranged to meet our friend/adopted family, Mary Dwyer to share Christmas Eve lunch together.   (Yamamori's on George's Street was just about perfect!!  It may be a new Christmas tradition..).   

Afterwards we wandered around Dublin; had a cup of coffee; took some pictures and caught the DART (train) back to Matt & Hailey's for a quick visit..then headed home as the kids went off to bed.

Very relaxed and very "Christmasy" (whatever that means).   One of the unexpected elements of our decision to go "simple" this Christmas has been a significant reduction in the sense of pressure and urgency we're experiencing.  It's really been good to enjoy people more.  We've still got loads of work to do.  That just goes with the holiday and hosting a dinner party.  But I'm just not feeling under pressure.

Now we're home trying to get the prep for Christmas dinner together, things wrapped, tables set.   Tomorrow our friends the Covells will be here with Matt, Hailey, Eoin, Moia, and Michael and our niece Liz. 

Should be a great day together.. celebrating the birth of Jesus.... Emmanuel..which means, "God with us".

Click HERE for the pictures from Christmas Eve.