On Christmas Day it was just our family, our neighbors with three young boys, the four Sisters, one of the professors, and one priest. We had Mass at the Kartause and later that day had dinner at our neighbors' house. It was a relaxing and lovely day concluding with us all singing Silent Night (which was written in Austria, by the way).
Christmas morning Ellie was very excited to discover that Rudolph had been to our house and eaten some of the carrot she left for him. And to find the choo-choo train and truck she had requested. Borrowing the idea from a friend, we each received three main gifts (like Baby Jesus received from the Wise Men) - J.O.Y.
J - a gift to bring you closer to Jesus.
On Christmas Eve Day, we distributed the Christmas cookies we made, decorated the Christmas tree, and made a gingerbread house.
Christmas morning Ellie was very excited to discover that Rudolph had been to our house and eaten some of the carrot she left for him. And to find the choo-choo train and truck she had requested. Borrowing the idea from a friend, we each received three main gifts (like Baby Jesus received from the Wise Men) - J.O.Y.
J - a gift to bring you closer to Jesus.
O - a gift to share with others.
Y - a gift just for you.
There was a lot of joy in giving/receiving the presents!
Today we drove about two hours away to Strobl, a village on Lake Wolfgangsee. Three villages around the lake have large Advent/Christmas Markets and the way you travel between them is by boat! We boarded a boat in Strobl and crossed the lake to St. Wolfgang. They all have huge and unique Nativity Scenes. Floating in front of St. Wolfgang is the huge Light of Peace Latern. We bought a little latern while we were there so that we can bring the Bethlehem Light into our home. There is a candle at the Kartause that was originally lit in Bethlehem during Advent and has made its way to Vienna and all throughout Austria and neighboring countries. You can read more about this beautiful tradition on the TOR Sisters' blog.
Happy Feast of the Holy Family from our family to yours!
There was a lot of joy in giving/receiving the presents!
We then sang Happy Birthday to Jesus, had birthday cake for breakfast, and walked to church.
Today we drove about two hours away to Strobl, a village on Lake Wolfgangsee. Three villages around the lake have large Advent/Christmas Markets and the way you travel between them is by boat! We boarded a boat in Strobl and crossed the lake to St. Wolfgang. They all have huge and unique Nativity Scenes. Floating in front of St. Wolfgang is the huge Light of Peace Latern. We bought a little latern while we were there so that we can bring the Bethlehem Light into our home. There is a candle at the Kartause that was originally lit in Bethlehem during Advent and has made its way to Vienna and all throughout Austria and neighboring countries. You can read more about this beautiful tradition on the TOR Sisters' blog.
Happy Feast of the Holy Family from our family to yours!
Merry Christmas!!
What a wonderful way to Celebrate Christmas. The pictures are wonderful. Now on to the New Year!
ReplyDeleteThe last photo is classic Brian! Love it. We miss you guys!!
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