A Different Kind of Christmas

​Christmas 2025 looked markedly different than Christmas 2024. For starters, I had a certain guy by my side for the entirety of the 24th and 25th (OK, I did last year too, just sans ring). Secondly, a significant number of our missionary coworkers were out of the country, which meant setting aside certain traditions for a quieter celebration. 

Somehow, we still managed to top last year and make it to FIVE events on Christmas Eve:

1. Nine AM Spanish service of lessons & carols at Iglesia Luterana de Pueblo Nuevo. There were exactly 3 Dominicans there, in addition to missionary & seminary families: TRIPLE the number that attended last year's evening version. 

Josh did 2 of the readings. 

2. Lasagna lunch with friends at my house (per my family's Christmas Eve tradition).

Josh made a compound butter for the turkey he'd brine & roast the next day while the lasagna baked. 

There was salad & garlic bread, too. Regrettably, I didn't take a picture of all of us! I introduced the group to another Mackenzie family classic, Dealer's Choice, after we ate. 

3. Five PM English Divine service at the regional office, the final installment in an Advent series on biblical canticles.

4. Desserts at the Shavers'. Kris made pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, cupcakes with peppermint frosting, cherry pie, and strawberry pretzel "salad." There was also coffee and/or hot cocoa with an adult twist ;)

and...surprise...

5. Charcuterie at the Webers. Josh & I had known for quite some time that Rev. Roberto & Deac. Katie had invited all the singles over and weren't offended since we no longer fit the bill. Lo and behold, Katie texted on the way to Shavers' that we could stop by if we were free, so we crashed the party anyway.

Josh came over Christmas morning so we could exchange stocking stuffers & presents and have Philly cheesesteak omelets before a 10:30 am Divine Service at my church. 

Can you guess which one of his Christmas presents Josh is wearing? 

We spent the rest of our day at the Naumanns'. An ill-timed empty propane tank meant we shifted the aforementioned turkey from lunch to dinner and busted out some snacks while we played a Jeopardy card game and watched the King's Christmas message :)

Until next time, blessings in Christ!