Coming from southern Japan, we typically don’t see snow. However, one of the presents for the kids this year is seeing a goodly amount of it! We left early to miss traveling in a snowstorm, and then we had the delight of shoveling it, building a snowman dubbed “Harry”, making snow angels, and sledding! A lack of the right type of clothing makes this only slightly less than wonderful, but it doesn’t seem to faze the kids.

We hope you had a great Christmas this year with your family, friends, or just you and the Lord. We enjoyed spending time with my parents, siblings and family, and extended family.

As I sit here, snow is quietly drifting down, slowly blanketing the scenery. The world looks different covered in white!

We want to thank each of you who has sent Christmas gifts, cards, and support this year. We are grateful for you! May God richly bless you in this coming year. We pray God’s best for you!

This is a strange Christmas for us. It’s well into December, and there are NO decorations up in our home! (Norman is probably ecstatic!) It stands to figure. We’re only in the States about a year. No reason to buy trappings for one month. We are holding out for tinsel and lights when we visit our family instead. They can have all the red and green, and we can save our money to buy presents! 🙂

As on the move as we are, our children are unable to participate in Christmas programs, but we were able to watch one last week in Pella. Their kids did a great job! Unfortunately, Chloe was sick at the time, though she attended anyway. (Not the smartest move on our part.) We still have sickness giving visits to each in our household. ‘Tis the season!

The best part of Christmas this year is being able to spend it with family. We haven’t been able to do this in about five years, so it’s a real treat. Christmas dinner with the family….mmm. I can’t wait!

We hope you are able to enjoy time with family and friends this year, too. Make the most of these opportunities. People are special!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Smiths!