An acquired Christmas tradition

The week before Christmas we have a party with all of the Jousma ladies--Matt's aunts, cousins, and now his cousins' daughters and daughters-in-law. I ride with his mom and sister through the dark and snowy night to his Aunt Rose's home on Lake Michigan. Now, everyone should really have an aunt rose. She is the sweetest lady and the most gracious host, and shares her amazing lakefront property so generously--we often take trips there during the summer. For Christmas the house is decorated beautifully, the fireplace is lit, and a gorgeous table is set. We all bring various appetizers and it's so much fun to sample a bit of everything. Aunt Rose always makes an addictingly delicious punch and before we eat we stand in a circle and pray. This year was a poignant one because we lost Aunt Lois and Aunt Rose had two dozen roses on the table in memory of her. We eat and catch up with one another. I spoke with one cousin who has four children ages 2-10 and is waiting to get two girls from Ethiopia. She talked of her doubts about the financial part of adoption and how God has proven faithful. Another cousin has 4 boys 7 and under and homeschools them and talked about how it has been a refiner's fire for her and how she enjoys the challenges. Another is hoping to have her third child before she and her husband, both doctors, leave to do missions in Kazhakstan. These are good and Godly women and I always wish we could spend more time together but am thankful for the few times we do get to connect. After the food, the fun begins with one of those competitive gift exchanges where everyone gets a number and when it's your turn, you get to open a new gift or steal one that's already been opened. It gets pretty intense sometimes and you learn you can't hold too tightly to what you get because it will likely be stolen! I started with a starbucks gift card and ended with a Devil Wears Prada dvd... We end with a delicious dessert and head out before it gets too much later, our hearts full of the blessing of this event.