Our Christmas season was different because of the warm weather. Lights, Christmas music, and a scented candle created instant atmosphere, but there were more lessons to be learned!
#1 - Gerhard has relaxed the warning he gave me when we were first married--"If you want a Christmas tree, you can decorate a broom." Christmas trees of all sizes went on sale at our nearby shopping center in early November, so this was of our first purchases for Christmas. With poinsettias covering the base, it looked very Christmasy and didn't take up much room.
#2 Ask and you will receive.
The manger scene seems like an integral part of Christmas decoration, so when we saw a miniature set in a Catholic shop we asked if there were little figures of people and animals that would go with it. The girl brought out a shepherd playing his pipes, a chicken, a cat, and a goat, that seemed as if they could belong to the setting for the Christ Child.

Then when Rosie's package came with another miniature manger scene, we donated animals to even out the sets so no one would feel marginalized. We needed a setting to enhance the little scenes, so ordered a mirror at a nearby glass shop. It fit just perfectly, but cost more than all our other Christmas purchases together.

#3 Make new traditions.
Such as the turtles from Chichén Itzá, that represent both of us. The turtles are ancient symbols of the love of God Who sends rain to this area and blesses humanity by making possible the growing of corn and other crops. They will be on display through the year as we count the blessings our family receives.