Joulukuu

In a couple of hours it will be December 1 - the beginning of Joulukuu. I still clearly remember 40 years ago to this day living in Rauma, Finland and learning about Joulukuu - Christmas month (or December) in Finnish.

The Finns have this really neat tradition of celebrating Christmas the entire month of December. It is a tradition that starts on December 1 with an old-fashioned Christmas tree and ends with December 31 as one year is ushered out and a new one arrives.

For the entire month, there is much to do. Yes, it is dark most days as the least amount of daylight during the year occurs in December and January. Yet, there are a thousands points of light that pierce the darkness as every home is lit with the joy of the Christmas season. Memories that I will never forget!

One of the most beautiful moments of a Finnish Christmas Eve is visiting the graveyard. Relatives remember their deceased loved ones by placing candles on their graves. Seas of candles burning under a dark blue sky against the white snow form an unforgettable sight. Christmas is full of memories; many recall the Christmases of their childhood and past generations.

Finally, "Merry Christmas" in Finnish is "Hyvää Joulua!" May you and your families share in the joy and love this Christmas where ever you may be!
DK

It's Thanksgiving 2008!

It is so much fun having the family here for our Sunday Dinner and to celebrate Thanksgiving. Ben, Holly and Isabella are here along with Liz and then we have Matt, Megan, Jaydin and Kai. Last but not least is Steve, Katie and Addie. We will see Becky and Liz's family on Thursday in San Diego.

The kids are great and we love them!

We are getting started...

Now that all of the children have their blog site, we, the old folk are going to do it.