Merry Christmas! 

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas.  My family is in Florida and I'm the only one out here in Phoenix.

But Greg's family is here!  And we got together today.  My nephew Bryan played his guitar.  My mother-in-law makes the best poppy seed cake.  It's a Petras tradition that I've grown to love too.

I'm so thankful for family and friends. 

Even if you're alone this year, remember the reason for the season is to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  So you're really  never alone. 

I love Point of Grace.  Their song "Circle of Friends" is one of my favorites.  Listen as they sing "Immanuel".

This was how we were called to come to the table growing up in a Norwegian American home.  Loosely translated, that means ...come and get the food!

My Nana made the best Christmas cookies.  My favorite were the Spritz cookes and she always saved plenty for me.  I also love krumkake and I even have one of those irons so I can make my own.

I did make the time to bake a Julekake on Sunday to share with my church family.  It seemed to go over well as there wasn't much left.  And that's a good thing!

My friend Joyce of Sounds of Hope blog grew up in Brooklyn, NY.  We found each other online through our blogs.  Go figure ....

Joyce attended the same church where my parents met and got married in Brooklyn, NY.  It was Salem Gospel Tabernacle and of course, she's Norwegian American too!

Joyce wrote a great post with all the special Norwegian cookies that I remember from my childhood.

This is a photo of my nieces Kristin and Katie many years ago.  At the Sons of Norway lodge, Saint Lucia Day was acted out.  A girl was chosen to lead and other children follow as they sing songs.  My friend L-Jay of My Little Norway has a wonderful post explaining this holiday and the foods that go along with it.

I always remember holding hands as we walked and sang our way around the huge Christmas tree.

Guess who is playing Santa at the lodge Christmas party?

Stevie and Debbie posing in front of the Christmas tree

Little Debbie with Santa

My little sister Christine with cousin James.  Notice the broken leg; she fell down the stairs and that's the truth!

I think I need to make up a batch of Norwegian waffles.  So who wants to stop by?  LOL.

With all of our traditions and good food, let's not forget to celebrate Christ.

Jesus is the reason for the season.

Blessings and love,