New baby and Christmas train ignite the spirit

See the new Christmas Train? It plays music, the skaters skate and more!

It was the day after Thanksgiving and no decorating had been done for Christmas. Instead, imitation autumn leaves wove along the fireplace mantel while pumpkins, gourds and squash were in full display.

This is the background to the shorter-than-usual holiday season, caused by a late Thanksgiving and a stubborn blog author who will NOT start Christmas decorating until after a truly American holiday.

By now, the Baker home has been decorated, gifts wrapped, cards mailed, and the last-minute preparations are set to launch. It's Christmas in Baker-land and thank goodness for that.

It is a year when the family is all going to be present on Christmas, including the days before and after Dec. 25. We'll celebrate in Baker family fashion amid the glitter, ribbons and bows.

The Christmas Spirit was re-ignited with the help of a new baby, to Kirstin and Gage Rodewald. "Miss Myla," celebrates her first birthday next month and is expected to impact the family celebration in a way not seen in 15 years or so.

For example, one investment was in a Christmas Train, which winds in a circle around what we call the "Jimmy Buffett Tree." That train is super neat; it plays Christmas carols and there is a train car that includes a "skating rink" for skaters. It is the first model train ever purchased and when running, it's truly terrific.

The Christmas cards went off without a hitch, for the first time in memory. Thank you U.S. Postal Service! Stockings and gifts for seven grandchildren are either wrapped (the gifts), or ready-to-be-stuffed (stockings and Xmas gift bags for the adult grandchildren.)

Christmas is just around the corner. How blessed we are!

Presents around the "Big Tree"
Steve's Santa collection over the fireplace

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