Our story begins very late on Christmas Eve. Santa has been sneaking through the house, and all is in readiness. It's a full house at the Neibaur's this year. Holly is on her mission, and she'll be missed. But the rest of the family has gathered. Grandma Joan has been here since early December, helping to take care of Mom. Rosie and Terry Hawkins are in town for the holidays. Jacob and Jenica are with them, of course. They have also brought Dustin and ShyAnn, two foster children they are caring for. Together we enjoyed a Christmas Eve talent show and then read the Nativity story. Jacob, Jenica, ShyAnn and Dustin acted out the story for us. The prayers and cuddles, the drinks and bathroom breaks are finally behind us now. So is the wrapping, stuffing, toting and teasing. Preparations are at last complete. Perhaps there is still a little time left for the storied "winter's nap" before Christmas dawn is upon us.
