Christmas 2010 was our second Christmas in Edinburgh. We loved our first Christmas here and our second was no different (except that I didn't take a single picture). As much as we do miss our families on the holidays (and, we really do miss them) the past two years have been a really good opportunity for us to create some of our own traditions and to make this a special time for our little family.
On Christmas Eve, we had dinner at the home of friends (with whom we spent last Christmas Eve), along with another couple and their wee baby. It was a really sweet, leisurely evening and was capped off by the midnight service at our church. I have to say this is the first year that I have ever been to my church on Christmas and I loved it. It was really special to worship and celebrate the birth of Jesus with people that I know well and in a setting that is so familiar. It was a lovely service and, though late, we enjoyed bringing in the day with our Edinburgh family.
Joe and I again set Christmas morning aside for our time together. We woke up a bit later than usual and had a special (and light) breakfast and the traditional Schmitt-family hot, spiced cranberry juice! We read the Christmas story and opened gifts and just spent the morning relaxing together before heading out to spend the rest of the day with friends.
Late Christmas morning we joined about six other couples for a Christmas brunch that our friends Rebecca and Scotty hosted. It was so lovely--the food, the table, and the company. All just perfect (check out this link to see some pictures).
After leaving the Manors we made our way to the home of George and Myra, an older couple from our church (who was dance with) for a really special afternoon/evening. After a brisk walk around the Dean Gardens, lead by the very knowledgeable George, we have an absolutely incredible Christmas dinner. But, my favorite part was after dinner when George led us through his family's Austrian Christmas traditions.
Our day ended with phone calls to family and enjoying their merriment, albeit from afar.
It was a special day and we are so grateful for the friends who made us feel like family and the family who loved us even from so many miles.
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The life and times of two expatriates making their way in the beautiful city of Edinburgh, Scotland
Joe
Amanda
About Us
A newly-wed couple adjusting to life abroad. He's a theologian-in-training, she's a clinical social worker. He's spontaneous and laid-back, she's planned and organized. He's a thinker, she's a talker. Together, they have a lot of laughs and a lot of adventure. This blog documents it all (well, maybe not all)....
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