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In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled.  This was the first enrolment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria.  So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town.  And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.  While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son.  She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.  Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock.  The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear.  The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to all those on whom his favor rests.”  (Luke 2:1-14)  Christmas Eve was very nice this year and for the first time in a long time, we stayed in Querqueville to celebrate.  I bought some pretty table napkins with a mistletoe and ribbon design as well as a new, red table runner.  I then decorated the table with a variety of greens, pinecones and candles.  For our meal, I served several courses which included a bouquet de cerises, olives à la Méridionale and gambas for our aperitif ; Hors d’œuvre of Croustillants Saint-Jacques and toasts au foie gras ; the main meal consisted of magret de canard, pommes de terre et champignons and haricots verts à la crème forestière ; afterward, we had salade verte, Camembert, figues fraîches and a bûche de Noël.  Everything was washed down with apple cider.  C’était bon !!!  On Christmas morning, we opened our presents underneath the tree.  I got a new hat, a book about Tintin, a handsome Tommy Hilfiger shirt, some special socks to use when hiking (I am walking the Way of Saint James in the spring, in case you didn’t know already) and several cards from friends and family.  At 10:30AM I went to Mass where they had this beautiful nativity set up before the altar.  I would like to thank you all for your holiday wishes.  May the peace of our Lord be with you today and throughout the New Year.  Joyeux Noël !!!