It's Never Too Late

It's never too late to share the love and joy of Christmas!

So even though I am twenty days late.....

Merry Christmas from the Dingus Gang!

Moving to Taiwan in 2012 threw a wrench into our normal Christmas traditions. Most were no longer feasible. And as our kids graduate from high school and return to the US for college, these traditions continue to morph and change.

With everyone home this Christmas, our traditions continued.

Such as Christmas morning breakfast, consisting of homemade cinnamon pecan rolls. My mom served these warm gooey treats every Christmas. The recipe came to her from my dad's mom. This year Abbi made them. Nothing says Christmas as delicious as these!

Of course, there was the individual pictures of each child with their stocking. Naturally, some were more obliging than others.

 
 

And, of course, the overwhelmingly favorite (insert sarcastic voice) sibling picture in front of the tree.

They were much more accomendating as toddlers!

After opening presents, our Christmas fun took an unusual turn. Since Christmas is not a national holiday, life outside our American bubble proceeded as normal. Shops and businesses of all sizes and purposes were up and running.

 Abbi and I decided to take advantage of this unique situation. We treated ourselves to a trip to the hair salon. Peaceful atmosphere, soft classical music in the background, warm towels, aromatic tea, and head massages- a very relaxing experience.

Afterwards, we joined the guys at the local mall for dinner and a movie.

Not a very Christmasy tradition, I know.

But, going out for dinner and movie is an American kind of thing. Especially since we rarely go to western style restaurants.  Eating at Chili's is a special treat! The movie part just started one year spontaneously and now it has become part of the tradition.

The best part?

We were all together. 

That's what makes traditions so special- they are done together, with the ones you love.

Next year, as far as I know, it'll just be Carl, Jacob, and myself celebrating Christmas in Taiwan. The year after that? Who knows.

That's what made this year so special.

So better late than never....

Merry Christmas!