Christmas is about family ... or is it?

The question in this blog's title was one that kept coming to mind all throughout December as I prepared for my first Christmas without my parents -- and with only half of my family. With my family spread across three different continents during a time when songs with lyrics such as "Oh there's no place like home for the holidays" are being played everywhere, it was easy to once again question the concept of home. However, I couldn't get over the fact that Jesus left His home on Christmas morning. He left His comfort and His Father. If I think the US feels far away from Africa, imagine what Earth felt like compared to Heaven. A simple thought perhaps, but one that helped me put Christmas in perspective. Christmas is sacrifice. Christmas is love.

So, here's a little glimpse into my 2012 Christmas.

Andrew flew into Kansas City and he, Erika, and I spent a fun 24-hours in the city. We went to the plaza, did some shopping, drank some coffee, ate at Pizza Hut (It's a Christmas tradition), enjoyed the pretty lights and being together.

We met up with some special cousins on the Dorsch side. Thankfully, Andrew had a GPS on his phone, so we were able to navigate around KC pretty well...just just a few turn-arounds. Andrew navigated; I drove; Erika prayed. The plan was to meet the cousins at Starbucks, but when we pulled up to what Andrew's phone called Starbucks, we were a little confused.

Thanks to Cassie's expertise in navigating over the phone, we ended up at the right Starbucks soon after. What a WONDERFUL time of catching up. I love these people.

We made Christmas goodies. A lot. Erika got a little sprinkle happy.

Christmas day-Eve, we road-tripped up to the great land of Western Kansas to spend Christmas with my Grandma.

We played LOTS of Pinochle -- a family card game. Erika and I were partners the whole time and I think we won 9 out of the 13 games we played. Right, Grandma?! She wasn't especially happy.

 But deep deep down inside she still loved her granddaughters!

We had a beautiful white Christmas, but it was bitterly cold outside. Despite the uninviting conditions, Erika and I put on whatever coats and gloves we could find and headed out into it! We were literally traipsing through the snow. Isn't that a fun word? Say it: traipsing!

 This is called "planking", right?!

 You're never too old for snow angels...I hope.

 These are for my daddy.

 Isn't she beautiful?

 (Guess who gave her that super cute headband?)

I try to stay away from putting anything school-related on the internet, but I just couldn't help showing what I did for my French 3 and 4 students. In honor of La Fête de St. Nicolas, I had them bring a shoe to put under the tree, but didn't tell them why.

Then, on the day of the holiday, they had a surprise waiting for them! I don't know who enjoyed it more--me or my students.

Most of the remainder of my Christmas break was spent at my Aunt Terry's. 

She (and her whole family) made Christmas very special for the Dorsch "orphans."

I was very blessed this Christmas.