My husband Randy and me with our three adult children, from left to right, Miranda, Caleb and Amber.
IF YOU WANT to make a mom happy, return home for Christmas.
My three, plus the eldest daughter’s boyfriend, Marc, opened a few gifts Christmas Eve afternoon before Miranda had to leave. Caleb is juggling on the left with his new juggling balls.
All three of my children were able to get back to Faribault for the holidays, although my second daughter had to leave early Christmas Eve afternoon. She was on-call Christmas Day with her job as a Spanish medical interpreter in northeastern Wisconsin. But I had her here for awhile and that made me one joyful mother.
Ditto for my mom.
After taking numerous “good photos,” we decided to imitate six-month-old Hank (the first great grandchild for my mother) by closing our eyes and pretending to sleep. Missing from the photo is Alex, the photographer.
For the first time in many years, all six of her children and their spouses and their children, plus the first great grandchild and significant others, gathered for a pre-Christmas family celebration at my middle brother’s rural Lamberton home.
One of my favorite candid shots, my son embracing his grandma, whom he had not seen since July Fourth.
My mom repeated many times, before and after the get together, how very happy she was that everyone could make it. All but four could stay for the entire day and into the evening.
Santa shows up every year at the family Christmas. Here he hugs my second daughter. He handed out cans of SPAM to me and my siblings apparently to celebrate all the SPAM we consumed as children.
We took lots and lots and lots of pictures, as my eldest daughter’s boyfriend noted. I believe, I mean I know, he was slightly overwhelmed by the entire event. Who wouldn’t you be when you’re not used to my loud and fun-loving family, most of whom bunk out on the basement floor after the day’s festivities end?
Last year my sister Lanae brought vintage hats for the women. Here most of the granddaughters model their hats with grandma.
I love my family. And I love that my 80-year-old mom experienced the joy of having her closest loved ones with her for a single day to celebrate Christmas.
I decided the boys needed hats, too, so I brought Santa hats for them to wear, here in a serious pose.
HOW ABOUT YOU? Are you able to gather with extended family to celebrate Christmas and what are some of your traditions?
Santa always poses for a photo with my mom.
Hank, the first baby in the family in 11 years, was the center of much attention.
My sister Lanae gifted our brothers, Brian and Brad, with Kitty Piddle and Dog Drool. I also received red hot sauce from her and one fabulous gift I will tell you about in another post.
© Copyright 2012 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Love the Family Pics – thanks for sharing:) Have a Great One!
We did take a lot of pix, that’s for sure. And I only showed you a tiny sampling.
I’ve been dubbed the family photographer and a lot of people get annoyed, but I’m so thankful I have them now that loved ones are no longer with us.
Precisely. Keep photographing.
Your family is wonderful….so great that all were able to spend time together..safely! Was so great here, also. Am off to continue a closet attack/cleaning in the sewing room…keep telling myself it will be excellent when completed!!! Hugs, D
My mom was so pleased that all could be with her this year.
What fun traditions your family has! I loved the vintage hats the women wore.
Our family tradition is making my Grandma’s spaghetti and meatballs, garlic toast and salad bar complete with lefse and pickled herring. After the kids open their gifts, we always enjoy watching a new movie. This year we watched the newest Diary of a Wimpy Kid while eating freshly popped popcorn. I have to admit that I do experience a post holiday letdown, but this year I’m determined to remember the great moments!
Sounds like your family has some wonderful traditions also.
Ahhhh, there’s nothing like family, loved all your photo’s Audrey, looks like you have such a fun family! The one with Caleb hugging grandma is frame worthy,…so endearing!
Thanks, Jackie. We do like to have fun. And, yes, I felt fortunate to capture that moment b/n Caleb and his grandma.
What a special time for your entire family but especially your mom. I’m so glad your three children were with you but what a shame your daughter was on-call. xx
My mom told me soooooooo many times how very happy she was that all could attend the family Christmas this year. Last year my second daughter and my one sister and her family didn’t make it. I wish my daughter hadn’t been on-call either. But at least she made it home for the few days right before Christmas.
What a celebration! Glad you know you had an enjoyable Christmas season full of many blessings, the greatest of which is family. Happy News Years to you, Audrey!
Thank you, Emily. Just wish the gatherings weren’t already done. I love spending time with my family.
Marvelous! So glad you all could be together for a little while!
If only the weekend had been longer…