I never really said much about Christmas on this crazy blog, so I'm going to show ya'll my two favorite pictures from this holiday season. I did not take either of these pics, but they were both taken by my camera, so I claim them.

The first one (taken by Elise) is the front gate into my parents house (please click on the pic for the full effect). They have lived in that house for almost thirty years. Inside the front gate, on Christmas eve, is where my family gathers. Inside the gate, is where I not so secretly long to be every December 24th. Inside the gate, Mom will be busy like nobody knows busy. Inside the gate, there is a crowd that should be contained in a conference center not a living room. Inside the gate, there are fresh tamales and chulupa (the best in the world). Inside the gate, everyone is exchanging gifts and anxiously awaiting the expressions given in return. Inside the gate, there is more noise than can be heard by human ears. Laughing, debating, children screaming with delight, not because of what they just opened, but because of who is tickling, chasing or running around the house with them. Inside the gate, the nativity is being performed by eager children and overheating grown ups. Inside the gate, there are real logs burning in an ancient fireplace. Inside the gate, is what I love most about this world. Inside the gate. (I didn't mean to get so poety, I just couldn't think of a way sufficient enough to finish that last thought) This second picture was taken by Chrispy at my house on Christmas Day. I love the glow in this house. The snacks thrown on the table after dinner. The kids rushing down the stairs together. The rest of us lazily visiting in the tiny room. This shot really tells the story of Christmas at my house. To be honest, it was probably freezing in that room (thanks to Chris C.), but I definitely felt the warmth of Christmas that night.