Why It Gets Dark So Early

Jacob figured out why it gets dark outside so early in the evening during the winter months....."so Santa has enough time to get around the world!"

but I am glad the days will be getting longer after today

Christmas Day is Sneaking Up

It's December 21st and Christmas is sneaking up on me way too fast--I feel like I have another week to prepare....not cards, neighbor gifts, or Santa items, but my mind.  I just can't wrap my head around at how fast the time goes by these days.  I remember when I was a child, time moved so slowly, especially the anticipation of Christmas morning. Christmas Eve night was the longest night and it felt like that one night was a week long.

I hope my boys are glad and satisfied this Christmas morning since we had to use our imaginations for their gifts this year.  Some funny things have happened and we even had a little Christmas miracle, too.

For Amy

I made some wreaths for some loved ones who we visit at the cemetery often.  First, a few friends gathered at Amy's to wish her a Merry Christmas and just to partake of her undying Christmas spirit of never ending giving!  Second, a wreath for Michael, Brian's older brother. Mom and Dad usually put together beautiful Christmas greenery for Michael and since they are away serving a mission, I took the liberty this year. We will sing Christmas Carols on Christmas Eve in the candle lit cemetery (it is quite a sight and a nice tradition). We will go to my sister's and eat a "Shepherd's meal" and read the Nativity in costume, too.

For Michael

  








It's the kids' last day of school for Christmas Break and they are so excited to be able to stay in their pajamas and not have homework (except for reading).

Christmas Hustle and Bustle

The hustle and bustle of Christmas is round about me--finishing up the last bit of being Santa's helper for the kids' Christmas morning surprises.  If Christmas morning gifts aren't solidified by now, I get anxious and my brain goes a million miles per hour until the to-do list all crossed out.  I just finished up yesterday--PHEW!! I can rest easy.

I tell myself every year that I don't need to come up with 25 cutesy neighbor gifts, send Christmas cards to 75 families, think of an appreciation Christmas gift for school teachers, maybe just purchase gift cards for the parents, and try to find something inexpensive for my 8 siblings and Brian's 4 siblings. I always think to myself JUST BAG IT ALL and enjoy the reason for the season.

But when I start receiving cards in my mailbox, treats on my doorstep, and endless support from school teachers....and since it's my nature to want to share happiness with others, I feel the need to give something back--not for the praise of man, but for the opportunity to show gratitude and appreciation to those who are a part of my life!

Needless to say, I ordered Christmas cards last week. I thought of a cutesy neighbor gift. Thankfully, the school teachers have a wishing tree on their classroom door. I was given a good idea for something to make for the siblings. Already purchased something for the gals I work with.  In the process of finishing a project for the ladies in the YW Presidency whom I associate with regularly. It really does make me feel glad to give gifts--well thought out, inspired, accidental, cutesy, cheesy or otherwise.

Christmas is a time of Joy, Giving, Love, Sharing, Happiness, Rejoicing and perhaps a little Sacrificing....and all of those monetary things we do at Christmas time point to the Savior. For He IS Joy, Giving, Sharing, Happiness, He did Sacrifice all, and He is the reason to Rejoice!

As one message I received in the mail the other day said---

Wishing You A Christ-filled Christmas!!!