On Dec 1 we lit our annual outdoor christmas tree in Connecticut, a 40+ foot pine that towers over the roof of our house. (In 2001, Holly and Heather spent the day stringing 8 lines of christmas lights -- and with a few changed bulbs, fuses, and new lines they are still going strong).

Pre-holiday festivities with family friends!

Rick, Holly, Bernard and Heather

Kids table...

A happy camper...

Not so happy...

After dinner, everyone took their desserts and wine and piled into the school bus. Danny gave us a great ride through the Hartford Holiday Lights display!

Holiday strings concert

Holiday choir concert

Heading to the island....

Friends and family came on foot and by golf cart for the annual Christmas Eve Winter Solstice Program at the yacht club (aka grandma and grandpa's) ...

1. Welcome & Winter Solstice reading (Holly).
2. Children�s Carol, Simple Gifts (Little Children).
3. The Story of Christmas (Sandy).
4. Carol of the Bells (Bell Choir).
5. Reading (Tom).
6. Childrens Carol, This Little Light of Mine
(Little children).
7. Children�s Readings.
8. Carol, We Wish You a Merry Christmas (All).
9. Stopping by the woods on a snowy evening (Sara).
10. Children�s Carol, At Christmas (older Children).
11. Ritual Blessings & Wishes (Erin).
12. Carol, Silent Night (All).

There was good cheer to go all around.....

Later, children and grown-ups alike waited to see if Santa would make his annual Christmas Eve visit.......

Some jingling and ho ho ho's were heard coming from the upstairs fireplace...... and everyone was surprised to see that Santa brought along Mrs. Claus this year!!