Christmas fun

My family has several traditions. One that I particularly enjoy is that we usually go out for lunch or dinner on Christmas eve, as captured above.
It's been a pretty relaxing Christmas so far. I just read HC Joel's blog where he posts some of C.S. Lewis' writings and I realize that though I haven't been over occupied with the hustle and bustle of the season, I haven't done a ton of reflecting on Christ and his birth either. There's been a few Christmas songs this year that I’ve found new meaning and enjoyment in.
At times I get a bit annoyed by the overspending at Christmas and the commercialization of the holiday, but I must admit, I enjoy watching someone open a gift I’ve given them, and knowing that they’ll enjoy it.
One of the other fine things about this season is the World Junior Championship of Hockey. Quality hockey. A bunch of juniors playing with a ton of heart, for the pride of the nation. We started well yesterday with a well played win over Finland.

I was playing around with my camera a couple days ago, and took this picture of our Christmas tree: