Feliz Navidad .... Merry Christmas....

After celebrating Christmas Eve in a way that we never have before, I have been reminded yet again just how different & diverse our world really is!  Our dinner guests arrived at 10 (not 8 as planned), we had a late dinner of Venezuelan-American food followed by even later desserts, gifts came next, then fun on the Wii.... then it was all time to end the evening just after 1 am.  My oldest child, who acts more Venezuelan than the Venezuelans themselves, opted to visit a friend's home to celebrate.  It was truly a completely different experience!  And all of this happened while being bombarded with the explosion of fireworks!!!!

Yet, even though it was different, we were blessed to be with wonderful friends that love us very much.  Different is not always bad... it is simply different!  I thought about our traditions & customs & how different they are from country to country.  For my family, having Cherry Cream Cheese pie is a must!  For all Venezuelans... Hallacas are a necessity.  But in the end... the most important tradition for us all, is to remember the birth of our Savior, Jesus. Regardless of our skin tone, nationality, language we speak, or traditions that we have..... Jesus was sent to earth as a Savior for us all!

May you all have a blessed holiday season!  From the Nelson Family to each of you......

Merry Christmas!