fWe’re spending Christmas in my hometown of Roanoke, Virginia, visiting with my family. 
Steve (DOS) and I flew up from Orlando yesterday and are finally enjoying the peace and tranquility of the season, after a very busy year. It’s Christmas Eve and nearly midnight as I write this and I’m sitting on the front porch of my brother’s house reflecting on this special night and the year gone past. DOS and I are staying at my brother Andy’s house, while my parents just moved into a home four or five doors down the street. Here is my brother Andy and his partner Art, and DOS and the recent addition to the family, Barnabas the dog, as we arrived in Roanoke.
Earlier tonight I wished my friend Ben back home in Florida a Happy Hanukkah, and he texted me back Merry Christmas. It’s unusual to have Hanukkah on the same day as Christmas or even Christmas Eve.
Here in Roanoke, DOS and I’ve spend the last couple days doing last minute Christmas shopping. We always enjoy going thru the mall and seeing the decorations, although until now we haven’t had time to do so this season.
Actually it’s really been the start of our Christmas shopping, other than on-line, as it’s been such as busy December with traveling for work and all. We made up for lost time thought, with a whirlwind shopping trip to the mall and Lowe’s where the Christmas lights were already 50% off. 
We stocked up on some lights, and decorated my parent’s house a bit with the new LED lights.
Today Art fixed us an awesome ‘country breakfast’, which is always over the top filling.
We had Christmas Eve dinner at Mom and Dad’s. Andy and Art prepared quite a feast and we had an early dinner as Andy had to head out to play the organ for the 8pm Christmas Eve service at his Church.
As Christmas is a special time to spend with family, and I don’t intend to be blogging tomorrow, we would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and most of all the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ – the real reason for the season.
May you be truly blessed with the joys of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or even Festivus and may they stay in your heart throughout the New Year.
Merry Christmas to all, and God Bless!
