
In the dining room is something that is an embarrassment to some of my dear friends. What is it you ask? Well, so glad you are interested. I have a pink Barbie Christmas tree surrounded by Barbies who are Christmas caroling. In fact, last year, I have a singing Barbie Christmas tree. But, this year I have added to the pink tree and caroling barbies, a house, sports car (for heading to Grandma's house), nutcracker, and sleigh. Every room in the house is decorated with barbies baking or celebrating Christmas. Yes, it's true! This whole area is slathered in pink twinkle lights.
Our Christmas tree is always real, smelling of luscious pine. Though the needles get everywhere and make my husband sneeze, he still gets a tall fresh tree every year. I look forward to unwrapping the gifts that are piling up under the tree, anticipating the faces that will be delighted to open each present with his/her name on it.
My house just looks like Christmas! And it smells like Christmas too. Shine and Kate make lots of cookies. Aisha is always whipping up a treat or two. Julianna and I made Cinnamon ornaments last year to delight and tickle the nose with their fragrance.
More than Tastes & Smells

At Christmas time we get excited, trying to keep surprises hidden from one another and yet just dying to spill the beans. We can hardly wait to give our presents to one another. We can't wait for Aunt Julie to arrive at the airport, though Jimmy always wonders why she doesn't drive so the dogs can come too.
Yesterday, Kate's present arrived in a big brown box. Jimmy peeked in and tried to hide its weight from Kate. "It's light," he said, hoisting above his head. Marla and I just laughed and laughed, giving away his trickery to Kate who is wondering what on earth is in that big, heavy box. I won't tell her.
Now, school sometimes slips through the cracks a little bit in December and books are sometimes tossed aside in order to snuggle up and read aloud. We count the days until the older girls’ college exams are over so we can all just relax and hang out, watching favorite movies and figuring out who will marry whom.
Merry Christmas to all you dear friends. May your home be jolly and happy this season!
Merey
(Meredith Ludwig Curtis)