It is Christmas Eve here at our house. It is a quiet night tonight. We chose to stay here in Unalakleet away from family and close friends. It was a tough decision but a good one. Although we are a bit lonely tonight we are thankful for everything we have been given and experienced this year. We are happy to spend a quiet evening as a family. Jeremy and Isa are out (7:30pm) cross-country skiing trying to spot Santa flying over head. After they come in we will read the Little House on the Prairie chapter about Mr. Edwards meeting Santa on the way to Plum Creek. Then we will spend a little time thinking about what we are thankful for and what we are hopeful for next year.

There are many things that make living in the bush difficult but for every one of those difficulties we can find "blessings". One of those blessings is the distance we have from any commercialization of this holiday. There are no Christmas signs, no toy rushes, we could not go out shopping on Christmas eve even if we wanted to, and trust me we do not want to. Christmas out here has to be about your family, about the simple things. We miss our extended family and our friends by being out here, but being out here we learn to value you even more in your absence. There are no distractions or consumer ways to fill a void created by the loss of family and friends. The quiet tonight will make all of those joyful celebrations with family and friends all the merrier when we are lucky enough to celebrate with you again.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas.