It’s dumping snow in the Sierras, but we can’t go up right now …. so instead, Jocelyn and I have opened up the Monopoly Snowboarding Edition, which was a Christmas Gift to me from Aunt Jenni. Ever since we gave Papa “Monopoly Jr.” for his birthday, Jocelyn’s been really eager to play ‘real’ Monopoly.

Let me tell you: She’s a real tycoon already. The two of us started playing this afternoon. Although the game will continue for a while (updates forthcoming, perhaps), she is well positioned for victory. I haven’t even had to help her. She’s got tons of property, and has already developed quite a few of them.

This game is based on the original rules, with the board altered to reflect the snowboarding culture. The properties are ski resorts, the houses have become Lifts, the hotels are Gondolas, and the railroads are now equipment Manufacturers. Curiously, players can purchase the “Aspen/Snowmass” ski resort and the goggle manufacturer “Oakley” …. coincidentally the same names as our cousins from Tennessee (“Aspen,” not Snowmass .

Great having the whole family here this week!

Another of our beautiful Christmas traditions continued this year, with the gift to Mommy of a “Christmas Carol” from Jocelyn, Felicia, and Daddy. This year, we gave Mommy “I Saw Three Ships,” (Lyrics) including a wooden sailboat puzzle, a 500-piece picture puzzle of a harbor, and a sailboat painted by Jocelyn. The tradition also includes a commemorative ornament, which this year had three small sailboats and a picture of the “Daytime Trio”: Daddy, Jocelyn, and Felicia.

The tradition started two years ago, with serendipitous inspiration in our local dollar store. Jocelyn pieced together her own version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” complete with the ornament of a “Sweetie Goose in a Pear Tree.” Last year, Jingle Bells adorned a one-horse open sleigh.

We are fortunate to live in a wonderful neoghborhood in San Jose that celebrates the Holidays with great energy …. especially electric energy. The houses around Willow Glen are always spectacularly lit for all of December, and this year was no exception.

Jocelyn has learned to love this annual drive through our neighborhood. We just completed a home-at-home babysitting exchange … Karen and David went to the Crossbow holiday party last night; Aunt Jenni and Ange are at a concert tonight. So, Kiana joined us for the drive. After about 15 minutes, Kiana asked Karen “Where are we going?” …. About ten minutes later: “Antenna, what are we doing?” And the answer, after about five more minutes, “We’re going home …”

Who is Antenna?

On Saturday, 12/4/04, Jocelyn and I (Karen) went to the Christmas Creche exhibit in Palo Alto. This was our first visit ever, and we were both enthralled. There were over 500 creches on display (chosen from 1500 applicants). The exhibit is presented every year and all creches are on loan from members of the community. What a wonderful way for all ages to focus in on what is truly important and beautiful about this season.

Jocelyn loved the children’s room where they had marionettes of all of the characters and dress-up clothes as well. She was an angel and I was Mary. Then she was a shepard and I was a lamb. Then I was Joseph and she was a king. And so on and so on.

When I told her we only had a few minutes left, though, she wanted to get back to the beautiful displays of creches from around the world. One of Jocelyn’s favorites was a sculpture of Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus made from legos. The sculpture was about 30 inches tall and was made from 1000s of legos. My favorite creche was also of just Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus. This one was made of wood and depicted the family curled up together fast asllep from the exhaustion of the day. All were lying down in such a beautiful and human fashion, it brings tears to my eyes each time I tell folks about it.

I look forward to sharing this treat of the season with more folks next year.