A Camel at Christmas.

We are snowed in. The cul-de-sac is covered in at least eight inches of snow already, and from my window I can see even more falling. We are stuck in our cozy home with the doggies and the baby and plenty of food (and diet Coke!) to last for the whole weekend. I'm thrilled! It's perfect.

I'm so glad that Mom made her trip last weekend because we were able to enjoy DC with no inconveniences of weather. I have one last photo to share with you from last weekend. It's George Washington's Christmas Camel.

Mr. Washington was fond of exotic animals, and in 1787 he paid 18 schillings to have a camel live at Mount Vernon over Christmas. They are keeping the tradition alive with Aladdin, a camel from Virginia. And they use it for marketing too by selling stuffed camels, ornaments (I bought one) and camel trinkets in the large gift shop.

I loved the idea of a Christmas camel. It was historical to Mount Vernon but also a lovely reminder of THE Christmas gift. Doesn't Aladdin's home look just a manager for baby Jesus? He would fit right in at any nativity scene. We've been reading Finley this adorable book, Who is Coming to Our House? It's all about the animals in the manger getting ready for someone special to come.

Is your house ready for baby Jesus?

Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.