Before the New Millennium, every Christmas Eve we always used to go to my Mom's house. That's where all the grandchildren would go wild! At the time, there were seven kids from ages 2-9 years all over! Usually there were so many gifts under the Christmas tree that we couldn't even walk properly... Specially if you are running after toddlers... *<[8^)

Mom would put up the old traditional 9 feet tall Xmas tree, (that she brought from the US) all decorated with Xmas ornaments that are older than I am! She still has some very antique ones that she bought when it was her first Christmas when she got married in 1959! My Lord! Okay... Let's skip this part and keep it low profile that I turned 41 this year... *<[8^)

Since the temperature is so high at this time of the year, we would manage to keep the menu as "light" as possible. But, someone always ended up eating too much. This is so rare to happen when it's Holidays Season isn't it? *big smile* All the kids were very small yet and they couldn't stay up until midnight like most families do on Christmas Eve. So we had our meal in the afternoon, a "late" lunch or an "early" dinner, your choice. *<[ 8^)

After that, it's was wild party time with the opening of all those Christmas presents from Santa Claus!!! The kids would get so excited! Their eyes were like tiny stars shining and sparkling looking at all those presents! They would scream and shout and it was a hard job to keep them calm! *giggles*

I just love Christmas! Is there anything more beautiful than see a child's look while they open a gift from Santa Claus? I always took tons of pictures, and taped everything, trying to capture that innocence for eternity!

I can't put into words how we (Detto, the kids and myself) feel when we have a chance to come over here and spend an extended weekend, or the kids Summer vacation. We are literally in Heaven.

This year was a very difficult one for all Brazilians. We have been struggling with energy rationing and water issues as well. However, just to see the kids running around the house, happy as they can be, listening to their laughs and giggles, their excitement of "helping Mommy set up all the Christmas decoration" (That was a tough one... LOL!) makes all the sorrows and everything else vanish in the air...

Can you all believe I have a fireplace?? In Brazil?? I'm more excited than the kids!! I hung their stockings in front of the fireplace, just like my fondest memories from my childhood. The Christmas tree with all the twinkling lights and all my collectibles makes this the most special and cozy part of our new home. This is the Costa's Family Very Special First (of many more) Christmas Celebrations of the New Millennium in our new home!!!

I wish to you and your family all the best. May you have a wonderful Christmas, fulfilled with Joy, Health and Bright Blessings!

Have a wonderful New Year!

Happy Holidays
from our family
to yours!!

Sylvia Ann, Detto, Phillip, William and Anna Karissa