A Timely Celebration

When a baby has nearly the same date as Jesus; and when you share time during the holidays with two sides of the family, Christmas is bound to come a little early.

Last night, it did. Nestled away at Schloss 440, a growing family, with two on the way, one who is oh, so close to making his debut and the other who is in need of two and a half more months of cook time, gathered to celebrate in style.

We wore our winter best. (Or whatever fit.) 

I played carols on Winona's Steinway.

While Jan wailed a couple on his trumpet.
Ellie played her loud, musical hat and added her own, 'ho ho ho's' to the melody line.

Trains went round the Christmas tree.
And rocking horses came to life.

Peggy gave a nod to Jess by preparing her stuffed flounder. 
As SGS made sure the rolls were fresh, not frozen.
Gifts were given and received.

One was played with all night.

Cups of tea eased flu symptoms while a mini glass of port eased seemingly eternal sobriety. 
The icing on the dark chocolate cake was pure peppermint delight thanks to baker and blogger, Sweetapolita.

Sorry, office. I failed again. There is only one piece left. (And sorry, it's mine.)

All toast after toast was made to a loving, lovely family.

While it's a little sad that Baum #2 is missing so many shiny presents this morning, I have a feeling that the kind of Christmas that comes a little early, also goes a little late. After all, the best gift won't be here till March 6. 

Lo.