Christmas and a Tradition Kept

We woke up Christmas morning and Santa had made it through the desert to find our home. Erin had informed us that one of her friends had informed her that here where there are no fireplaces people leave a key in the front door for Santa to use. We teased them about all the thieves out there-to which it was suggested we hide the key under the mat and leave a note on the door hinting where to find the key…for all the honest thieves? Alas, this is precisely what we did. Our villa is adjacent to the security gate so we thought we’d be okay. All was well and everyone was quite pleased with what Santa left.

This year we had no Christmas parties to go to, no Christmas concerts to attend. We did no caroling. We didn’t decorate a nature’s Christmas tree and read The Night Tree. There were no bell ringers to give coins to. We weren’t able to make gingerbread houses. There were no angel trees, clothing drives, or food pantries to give to. We had nowhere to drive around to see Christmas lights. There were no Toys for Tots drop-off locations. These are just some of the traditions we missed this year. However, since I was a young girl our family has always had cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning. For many years now we have also taken cinnamon rolls to our local firemen on Christmas morning before opening our presents. We have loved this tradition. When we arrived in Saudi early last January and realized we would probably have to abandon this tradition, we were quite sad. First of all, there are virtually no fire stations. Second, they would not appreciate receiving sweets for Christmas the way our firemen had. I thought about this from time to time. About October I recalled Dano mentioning he’d learned there were Marines at the Jeddah U.S. Consulate. That was the answer I’d been hoping for. Dano made the necessary contacts and we were warmly welcomed Christmas morning. We visited with just a few of the Marines stationed here. We we excited to hear there was one from Columbus, but he had had night duty and was sleeping. They were so friendly and kind. The kids loved talking with them and the special coins the Marines gave them. We have a special place in our hearts for those who protect our country and keep us safe. This was a terrific substitution for our wonderful firemen and allowed us to keep one of our favorite Christmas traditions.
When we returned home, the kids had a great time opening their presents.

I think Kennedy loves her collection of Lois Lowry books.

Abby gives a cheer for Ethan’s book (which he finished in two days).

Erin contemplates what she’ll write first with her lettering and stencil book.

Abby just can’t believe it all. Christmas is magical.