Kayann, I am also proud of you for listening to your parents. It is quite special that you do! If it is any consolation, I will not be joining the mailing either. Last year my husband and I decided to try and focus on the holiday more without all the running around, gift buying, and Christmas card writing. I didn't even bake anything and nobody seemed to miss it. It was wonderful. I truly enjoyed Christmas last year more than ever and so we decided to keep it simple and do it that way every year.

We get something small for the dogs (although they get Christmas all year long) and one nice thing for each of our sons. We decorate moderately and on Christmas eve go to church. When we come home we have a tradition of placing baby Jesus in the manger. I have a ceramic nativity and I put it up except for Jesus in the cradle since we are awaiting his birth. My youngest son goes and lights all the candles I put out while I play Silent Night on the piano. Everyone sings along. Then when he is done with the candle lighting he places Jesus in the manger. We then let him open his "Gifts".

I will be glad to send email greetings to everyone and I will be wishing you all a Merry Christmas. Maybe we can have a email list so all we need to do is click on the group and everyone gets it!