Monday, January 7, 2008

Merry Christmas?

Yes, Merry Christmas. Today we celebrated the Russian Christmas. Our church follows the old Julian calendar, in which December 25 falls on January 7. I kept the kids home from school today and will again tomorrow. I was surprised that there were two other kids at my daughter's school who were celebrating it, too. It's a very busy, yet very fun day for us. Though we exchange our presents on December 25, my kids said they enjoy today even more.

We began the celebration by going to church last night. Only the older two came with me because it started at 7 and didn't end until close to midnight. Then we went to my mom's to eat a big breakfast of ham, sausage, potato salad, cabbage soup, and wine. The older two slept at my mom's since my younger cousin's were in town staying there, too.


This morning we headed back to my mom's. My sister and her family came. We went to church again for a short service at 5. I decided to bring my 3 year old, since I haven't been bringing her to church very much lately. I soon remembered why I don't! I kid you not, about TWO seconds after it started, she started to cry because she wanted to stand in the front with her cousin. I had to take her out to the foyer with my husband for the rest of the service. After church we headed back to my mom's for a big party with more people and tons of great food. The kids ran around like crazy kids, having so much fun. I stuffed myself like a pig. My older two are sleeping over there again since my cousins are still there tonight. The only downside was my 11 year old got sick. He didn't want to miss out on anything, but he's still staying at my mom's, lying on the couch with a fever.


Tomorrow my cousins will leave to go back home. The kids will be sad. We won't see them until Russian Easter when the festivities will begin again. Then our life will get back to normal. I will go jogging again. It was a very fun day.

14 comments:

Kila said...

It's hard with little ones in church! We didn't go too often for a few years.

Merry Christmas!

Ally said...

Sounds like a wonderful time! :-)

I always enjoy hearing the variety of ways people celebrate holidays and other events. It's 9:30 pm here, but reading about all the food makes me want to eat something! :-P

I'm sorry about your boy's illness - hope it is VERY short-lived!

Anonymous said...

How neat. I didn't know about Russian Christmas. What a fun tradition. Do you have Russian heritage then?

dawn klinge said...

Merry Christmas. Are you Orthodox? I've been reading several books regarding Orthodoxy and would love to attend a service; sadly there isn't an Orthodox church anywhere near me. Sound like a fun day. So sorry your son is not feeling well.

Kellan said...

Very cool - Merry Christmas! I sounds like a wonderful time. Take care and see you soon. Kellan

Cecily R said...

Now I don't feel so bad that my Christmas tree is still up (all of our other decorations are packed and in the basement but my 5 year old has started to cry every time I try taking the tree down. I don't have the heart--or frankly the energy to do it yet)!

Merry Christmas!!

Irene said...

My favorite comment from yesterday was from your husband - when I asked how your little one did in church, he said "we were outstanding" and I thought WOW, that is great! until he continued....OUT standing outside, OUT standing in the entry, OUT standing in the basement... and just shook his head.

AutoSysGene said...

Merry Christmas again!! Your tree is beautiful!!

Lizzy in the Burbs said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family! That is so interesting to hear about your traditions, sounds like alot of fun! Sorry your son is sick, hopefully just a fever and nothing more. Take care!

Burgh Baby said...

I love celebrating slightly offbeat holidays. We do Three Kings Day at our house. It's partly an excuse to leave the decorations up until January 6th and partly an excuse to spread the celebrations out just a tiny bit more.

Leah said...

Sounds like a lot of fun!

Karen said...

What fun, Christmas twice! I concur that it's hard to keep the little ones entertained in service.

Amy said...

That is so cool! I never heard of Russian Christmas before. Thanks for sharing your story and Merry Christmas!

Zoe said...

Happy Russian Christmas!