The Meaning of Christmas.....

We LOVE CHRISTMAS in our home. Andy and I wait with great anticipation each fall for the day after Thanksgiving (I refuse to celebrate until Thanksgiving is honored). We joyfully look through the Black Friday sales papers and venture out on that afternoon to choose a beautiful tree. We cannot wait to get home to put in a Christmas movie and begin the total transformation of our home into a Christmas Wonderland. This has been our tradition for 7 years and I am certain will be our tradition for 70 more. And that is what Christmas is to us....TRADITION.

It is a time when we can so easily remember what it felt like to be a kid. To remember how easy childhood was...no responsibilities, no worries. Christmas was such a fun time. A break from school, chores, and routines. It was a time to connect with and enjoy your family. For me, it was watching Christmas movies, listening to Christmas songs, and making cookies with my mom. It was eagerly awaiting Christmas morning to see what kind of surprises were in store. It was special because it was a true surprise (even if it was something I had asked for). Somehow in the delivery of the gifts on Christmas morning it all seemed magical.

I realize I may sound like a Hallmark Christmas movie but there is something special and magcial about Christmas and that is why in our house, we treasure it so. There is a special spirit in the air and if you let it, it will inhabit you. There is a good reason to let this spirit overtake you. The season is responsible for a giving nature in others and an overwhelming feeling to be kinder and more patient. To cherish your family and friends more. To be thankful and happy.

Yes there are negative sides to Christmas. Money, commercialism, wants, list, crowds, and long lines can make this festive season ugly. Pressure to get just the right gift can stress you out. But don't let it. Look for the good. Feel the spirit in the air. Make this a time of year to go out of your way to be optimistic. The gift does not matter....the giving spirit is the true gift.

I will gleefully enjoy everyday for the next 27 days. Andy and I will watch a Christmas movie every night. I will listen to only Christmas music. I will watch my son in awe as he experiences the joy of Christmas and the increasing excitement that will come with this Christmas and so many to follow. I will wrap beautiful packages for people I love and appreciate. I will make cookies with my Mama, brother, sister, and husband. I will attend a candle light service and will remember the greatest reason for this season. The uplifting spirit that comes with Christmas....Christ. I will honor his birth, his life, his death, his resurrection, and ultimately our eternal life.

May you all find the Christmas Spirit within.

Happy Thanksgiving.....

This year as every year I have so much to be thankful for. A family that is always there when they are needed, great friends whom I rarely see but dearly love, a lovely little home, secure income, a growing business, and above all a wonderfully patient and kind husband, a beautiful and joyful son, and a loving and forgiving Lord. Thank you for the blessings in our lives.


Everyone pitched in to make a wonderful meal


Hatcher and Grandma enjoying a cup of coffee with dessert

A Difference of Opinion.....

Hatcher has taken to getting in Sidda's bed and taking a break from running around the house (Sidda doesn't care for it).