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Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

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Christmas Family Time

December 20, 2023 By D'Ann Mateer

We’ve had a wonderful whirlwind of family time. 

First, all our kids came for Christmas at our house on Saturday the 16th. We packed all our favorite Christmas things—presents, Christmas cookie baking and decorating, and a huge meal together, all surrounded by Christmas music (and football games) into our few hours all together. My parents joined us as well. Here are a few of the highlights: 

We had a day to recoup on Sunday, then we were off to the Dallas Arboretum! This time it was just me and Elizabeth joining our son Nathan’s family—which meant time and fun with the little girls! A beautiful sunny day in the mid-60s. It couldn’t have been better! 

Last night we crossed the Metroplex to watch our other son coach his JV girls basketball team. It’s always a joy to see him in his element. 

Our days will slow down now—and that’s not a bad thing. I really enjoy quiet moments in which to savor the new memories made during our frenzied family time. And as our boys spend time with their in-laws for Christmas, we will be quiet with our girl, a luxury we don’t usually have. Christmas night, she will wing her way back to Boston and family Christmas 2023 will be in the books. I can already say it’s been a good one, which is such a blessing at the end of a hard year. 

What is your favorite part of family time during the holidays? 

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D'Ann Mateer

Inspired by novelist Eugenia Price, D’Ann’s dream of writing historical fiction with an element of faith began in middle school, though her serious drive toward publication took a bit longer. D’Ann is the author of four historical novels and one novella, as well as a contemporary short stories in a compilation volume. D’Ann and her husband of 30 years can be found in Austin, TX when they aren’t touring historic sites or visiting their grown children.

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: Aroboretum, Christmas, cookies, Family, grandkids

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Comments

  1. Marilyn A Turk says

    December 20, 2023 at 9:07 am

    I can’t believe you’ve already had your Christmas celebration while I’m still preparing for ours! This month has been a whirlwind of activity, and I can’t catch up! Part of the reason is that we usually celebrate with my kids a week or so after Christmas because they go to their in-laws for Christmas. But this year, they switched it and will be here for Christmas instead. However, ready or not, I’m blessed to have family to celebrate with, as well as, Christmas activities to participate in. God Bless You and your family this Christmas!

    • D'Ann Mateer says

      December 20, 2023 at 9:39 am

      How fun that you get your kids at Christmas this year! Enjoy the chaos and the joy that comes with it. Merry Christmas!

  2. Becky Wade says

    December 20, 2023 at 11:36 am

    Merry Christmas to you, D’Ann!

    • D'Ann Mateer says

      December 20, 2023 at 12:45 pm

      Merry Christmas, Becky! Enjoy your family!

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