A wintry scene on New Year's Eve

Hugh sends along this photo from Deep Creek Lake, Md. "A light snow is falling. The lake is freezing over, although there is still some open water. It is really a pretty winter scene."

A quick trip to watch a game - in Italy

Genevieve and John joined Genevieve's cousin Christie and Aunt Margaret on a mid-December visit to Rome to see cousin Nick, a professional rugby player for a team called SS Lazio. Here the gang poses at the site of his game.

They managed to squeeze in some sightseeing during the quick weekend trip. Genevieve writes:

"We also visited the Vatican, the Coliseum and the Forum (where this picture of me was taken)... "...and the Trevi fountain our last night so we could throw a coin in and wish to come back soon!


"And this is the coliseum with a Christmas tree outside, and us on a tour inside."

More scenes of Christmas: Yonkers

Patrick, Genevieve and Vivien were all home for Christmas with their mom, Kathy, along with John, CJ and the baby of the family, Leo.

On the night before Christmas, Pat and John ignored the falling temperatures to grill out!

It's Christmas! Let's be merry!

We hope everyone's having a very Merry Christmas. Please share your stories and photos!


In New Jersey, Dan, Julie, Christine and Andy enjoyed their traditional morning gift-opening, then were joined by Julie's parents, Hugh and Dolores, for another round of unwrapping.


Dan and Julie each received something to wear on their ears!

More scenes of Christmas

Dolores and Hugh are visiting daughter Julie, son-in-law Dan and grandchildren Christine and Andy in New Jersey this Christmas. They posed for this photo after attending the late Christmas Eve service at St. Paul's in Westfield.

Here at Birch Street HQ, we can't even fit all our ornaments on the tree anymore.

Meanwhile, there's this:

Courtney posted this photo of the tree at Rockefeller Center.

Hard to beat that! But still - Let's see your tree/decorations/holiday fun! Keep in touch!

Granddaddy of the 'Elf on the Shelf'?

Kathy writes: This was on the tree when I was little. Thanks to my cousin Tish, I now realize that he must be the granddaddy of the very popular "Elf on the Shelf." Unlike his descendants, he never has caused any mischief!"

Tish adds: "The Elf on the Shelf is a children's book written in 2005. I think a little elf like this one might have been the inspiration for the story!"

Tish took this photo of her elf friend, Noel, after an early-December snowfall.
 

Show us your Christmas scenes! (Updated 12/23)

As we go through this holiday season, please share your photos, video clips and stories of Christmas decorations, gatherings, celebrations and other fun stuff.


Kathy reports that Leo was a big help trimming her Christmas tree.


Above, via Facebook, is a look at Gerrit and Angela's Cape Cod house decked out in lights and snow.

A bit more abstract is this close-up of a bush - also covered with lights and snow - outside Dan and Julie's house in New Jersey.



Then there's this scene from outside Genevieve's workplace. Nothing like Christmas in New York!

Let's see yours! Share your pics and stories with our extended family on the Birch Street Web.

Lights on a cold winter night

Dan writes: Winter is not my favorite season, but it has its occasional charms.

Tonight I enjoyed a crisp moment outside our home. The temperature was just about freezing but the air was calm. Yesterday's snow still looked pretty, illuminated by our modest display of Christmas lights.

All was very quiet. Far above, the moon hung in a clear sky, more than half-full and waxing, and about half-way along on its nightly trip. In the silence, I looked up and took its picture. It didn't say a word.