We’re never in a hurry to open gifts when we’re at Mom’s for Christmas.  Gifts just aren’t the focus of our gathering.  This year, we waited until today, December 27, to make our exchanges.

We had a lot of fun, nonetheless.  The pictures look much like the past five years (the same five characters, the same house).  This year, we’re just a bit older and, hopefully, wiser.  You’ll see from my photos that the gifts we give tend to be practical, educational, or cultural….

An ornament I brought Mom from Ireland.

Heather went to Rome and found this ornament for me…

…in the shop where I’d taken the picture behind me in this February 2012 gallery show.

Heather opening a package.

I received many books on teaching/learning and Ireland.

Dave got a book about modern Irish architecture.

Heather with wood carving. (Several years ago, Heather and Leslie were cultural envoys to Zimbabwe.)

Leslie gave many heartfelt gifts, cultural treasures he’s collected during his life.

Heather’s new boots. She really needs these for living in NYC.

Mom received an amazing cotton-picking doll from Leslie. She was deeply touched.

I got a quilter doll, significant to me because Ma quilted and several of my students have studied the connections between quilting and African-American architecture.

Heather Massie and Leslie Lee.

Candle holder from Esther and the rest of the Sterchi family.

Curious kitties!