Christmas Day

Maybe my best Christmas ever.

Make a joyful noise, sing praises to the Lord, give and receive with gratitude.

Each girl drew a name, went into their minimal possessions, and found something for a gift. Giving of self and possessions is more powerful than going to a store. Give your best is also the Native way.

They wrote notes and wrapped the gifts. My family would be proud that my world’s worst wrapping skills came in handy. I helped wrap with newspaper, magazine pages, and a green plastic bag for bows.

Love put in, and put it under the tree one by one. Love drawn out as each girl opened her gift and everyone robustly sings, “We Wish you a Merry Christmas, We Wish you a Merry Christmas, We Wish you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year,” as many times as needed to see the gift fully opened. Once the gift was revealed, everyone cheered. Genuine joy and gratitude. 


We went through this process twenty eight times and then, we ate cake. But before we began, a song of gratitude was sung by everyone. Gratitude for the blessings we have and the faith in blessings to come. Girls hold up their offerings, pieces of cake, juice, gifts, and sweet baby Leon, all held up to the tune of the song, held up to bear witness of our love and gratitude.