A Massy Christmas

Until this year, I've hosted a family Christmas for all our family, both sides, for three days. Everyone but myself and our oldest are Protestant, so finding a way to go to mass without upsetting most of my guests wasn't possible. It was my first item in confession after Christmas, and I always felt sad. The importance of the calendar in the liturgy is one of my favorite things about my faith. It orchestrates us through all the highs and lows in a way that keeps us from taking Christ for granted.
This year it was time to try something new which means I'm free of all that cleaning, cooking, planning and shopping. Taking care of the eight of us feels so light and easy. Best of all my new freedom opens the door to Christ Mass. We've got our fancy clothes laid out. We're looking for a restaurant to cook our seven fishes. (Hallelujah!). We've got our plan in place, and I can't wait to go to mass. I want to know if it's as rich as Easter Vigil or simpler, with children in mind. Whatever it is Jesus will be there, guaranteed.