Holidaze

Our holiday week is coming to an end--it's hard to believe the time has gone so quickly! On Tuesday, Joe will be going back to school to resume his full time studies and I am heading back to the office. It's been the longest I've ever had off for the Christmas holidays (11 days) and it has been a really enjoyable time.

Joe and I had a great Christmas here in Edinburgh. We spent Christmas Eve with friends who came to our flat for dinner, games, conversation and then joined us for church at a beautiful, old Episcopal Cathedral. We spent Christmas morning just the two of us before heading off to spend the afternoon with two other couples and then later talking with our families on the phone. The day after Christmas is Boxing Day or St. Stephen's Day, here in the UK. This is a day where, historically, servants had the day off and celebrated with their families, and gifts were given to the poor and those in services positions. We spent Boxing Day with some friends who hosted us, and 2 other couples, for a lovely afternoon of dinner and conversation. We finally had enough room in our stomachs to make our own Christmas dinner on the 27th!

We spent the rest of the week walking about Edinburgh, enjoying the sights, watching movies, reading books, and playing games--usually in front of our fireplace, which we just discovered works!

Even though we missed being home with our families, this Christmas was really special for us. We enjoyed the opportunity to bring together traditions from our families with new traditions we want to establish for our own family. And, it was fun to share in the traditions and celebrations of friends. We hope this Christmas was just as special for each of you.